Ferdinand Magellan was a famous explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe. He was born in Sabrosa, Portugal, in 1480.
He joined the Portuguese Navy at a young age and served in several expeditions to the East Indies. In 1517, he proposed a plan to King Charles I of Spain to sail west to the Spice Islands by finding a new passage through the Americas. The king agreed to fund the expedition, and Magellan set sail in 1519 with five ships and a crew of 270 men.
Also Read: Famous Spanish Explorers
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The expedition encountered many challenges along the way. The ships were damaged in storms, and many of the crew members died from disease or starvation.
In 1520, the expedition reached the Strait of Magellan, which is now named after him. They then crossed the Pacific Ocean, which was much larger than they had anticipated.
The crew was exhausted and running out of food, and many of them died. In 1521, Magellan was killed in a battle in the Philippines.
However, one of Magellan's ships, the Victoria, eventually completed the circumnavigation of the globe, led by Juan Sebastián Elcano.
The Victoria returned to Spain in 1522 with only 18 men on board. This was a remarkable achievement, and it proved that the world was round (although this was assumed since Ancient Greece). Magellan's expedition also opened up new trade routes to the East Indies, which helped to enrich Spain and Portugal.
Magellan is considered one of the greatest explorers in history.
Family Overview
Ferdinand Magellan was born into a noble family. His father served the government and became a mayor. His mother also had noble connections.
As he grew, he would serve in the royal court. He had two siblings who most likely served with him or had some sort of connection with the royal family.
Due to a dispute with the Portuguese monarch, Magellan left Portugal for Spain, where he would eventually sail under the Spanish flag.
It would be in Spain that he met and married his wife. The couple had at least two children prior to his circumnavigation of the globe.
Family Tree Chart
Parents:
Rodrigo de Magalhaes (1433 - 1500) - He was well-connected with the government of Portugal. When he died, his son Ferdinand became a page to Queen Leonor in the Portuguese royal court.
Alda de Mesquita (unknown) - She was the wife of Rodrigo. The couple may have had more children, but they at least had Ferdinand Magellan.
Spouse:
Maria Caldera Beatriz Barbosa (unknown) - She and Ferdinand had two children, but both died young. She would survive her husband after his death at sea.
Children:
Rodrigo de Magallanes (unknown) - He was the firstborn but died at a young age. There is little known of him.
Carlos de Magallanes (unknown) - He was the second born but died at a young age. There is little known of him.
Siblings:
Diego de Sosa (unknown) - It is unclear if he was an older or younger sibling. There is little known of him, but he probably remained in Portugal for his entire life, unlike his brother.
Isabel Magellan (unknown) - There is little known about her.