Ferdinand Magellan Timeline

Portuguese maritime explorer Ferdinand Magellan was the first person to sail Westward across the Pacific Ocean from Europe to Asia. He was the first person to enter the Pacific through the Strait of Magellan and the first European to discover the Filipino archipelago. Much like Christopher Columbus, Magellan was searching for a sea route that would link the Spice Islands of Asia with Europe.

Annotated Voyage

Although Magellan is credited as being the first person to circumnavigate the globe, he died in the Battle of Mactan in the Philippines before the expedition was complete. Fellow navigator Juan Sebastian del Cano took command and led the remaining ship back to Spain. Of the 237 men and five ships that set out upon the voyage, only 18 men and one ship returned.

Ferdinand Magellan Timeline

1480: Born in Villa Real, Portugal during Spring

1490: Both parents die

1495: Entered service of Manuel

1504: Signed up to volunteer for an Indian voyage

1505: First expedition at age 25 to India

1509: Wounded at Battle of Dui

1512: Returned to Portugal

1514: Renounced nationality

1517: Went to Spain
- - - October 20: Arrived in Seville

1518: Signed agreement with King Charles I

1519: With King Charles I's support, sets off in journey to Spice Islands
- - - August 10: Five ships under Magellan's command set sail from Seville, travel Guadalquivir River
    - September 20: Set sail from Sanlucar de Barrameda
    - September 29: Reached Tenerife
    - November 27: Crossed the equator
    - December 6: South America sighted
    - December 13: Anchor in what is now Rio de Janeiro and stay till Christmas
    - December 26: Left Rio de Janeiro

1520: Spice Island voyage continues
- - - January 10: Reached Rio de la Plata
    - February 2: Left river of Saint Christopher
    - March 30: Puerto San Julian established
    - April 2: Conflict arose between ship captains
    - August 24: Four ships left port of Saint Julian (smallest ship lost previously)
    - October 18: Sailed from river of Santa Cruz
    - October 21: Arrived at Cape Virgenes and discovered Straight of Magellan
    - November 1: Fleet traveled through Straight of Magellan
    - November 20: San Antonio returned to Spain
    - November 26: Left Straight of Magellan
    - November 28: Remaining ships arrive in South Pacific
    - Magellan names Pacific Ocean
    - Magellan first European to get to Tierra del Fuego

1521: Continues journey to Spice Islands
- - - February 13: Reach equator
    - March 6: Reach Mariana Islands and Guam
    - March 16: Magellan first European to reach Philippines
    - April 7: Left Homonhon and went to Cebu
    - April 17: Sailed with army to Mactan
    - April 27: Killed in Battle of Mactan
    - November 8: Ships reached Maluko Islands without Magellan