Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition, launched in the early 16th century, marked one of the most significant milestones in maritime history. As the first known journey to circumnavigate the globe, this voyage not only changed geographic understanding but also had lasting effects on global trade and exploration. The expedition, which began under the Spanish crown, was filled with challenges, discoveries, and pivotal moments. By examining the timeline of Magellan’s expedition, we can better understand the magnitude of this historical undertaking and its role in shaping the modern world.
Background and Preparations
Early 1518 Approval and Funding
Magellan, a Portuguese explorer in service to Spain, proposed a westward route to the Spice Islands (the Moluccas) that would bypass Portuguese-controlled waters. King Charles I of Spain approved the proposal and agreed to finance the expedition. Preparations began with the recruitment of sailors and the gathering of supplies.
March 22, 1518 Royal Appointment
King Charles officially appointed Magellan and his associate Rui Faleiro as commanders of the fleet. Magellan was given the title ‘Captain-General’ and granted considerable authority over the expedition.
Departure and Atlantic Voyage
September 20, 1519 Departure from Spain
The fleet, known as the Armada de Molucca, consisted of five ships: Trinidad (flagship), San Antonio, Concepción, Victoria, and Santiago. They set sail from the port of Sanlúcar de Barrameda with approximately 270 men on board.
December 13, 1519 Arrival at Rio de Janeiro
After navigating down the Atlantic coast of Africa and then crossing the ocean, the fleet stopped at Rio de Janeiro for rest and supplies. Relations with indigenous people were established, and repairs were made.
March 31, 1520 Winter at Puerto San Julián
The fleet anchored at Puerto San Julián in present-day Argentina to wait out the harsh southern winter. During this time, tensions rose among the crew, culminating in a mutiny that Magellan suppressed.
- Mutiny led by Spanish captains
- Executions and imprisonments followed
- Santiago sent on reconnaissance mission and later lost in a storm
The Passage to the Pacific
October 21, 1520 Discovery of the Strait
Magellan discovered a navigable sea passage through the southern tip of South America, now known as the Strait of Magellan. This strait linked the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and was a major geographic discovery.
November 28, 1520 Entering the Pacific Ocean
After navigating the treacherous strait, three remaining ships (Trinidad, Concepción, and Victoria) entered the vast Pacific Ocean. It was the first time Europeans had sailed into the Pacific from the Atlantic.
Pacific Crossing
December 1520 to March 1521 Long Ocean Voyage
The fleet crossed the Pacific Ocean in one of the most grueling parts of the journey. They encountered no land for months, leading to severe scurvy, starvation, and deaths among the crew.
- Sailors ate rats, leather, and sawdust to survive
- Dozens of men died during this leg of the expedition
March 6, 1521 Arrival at Guam
The fleet finally reached the island of Guam in the Mariana Islands, where they rested and resupplied. They encountered the native Chamorro people and had brief conflict over stolen goods.
Arrival in the Philippines
March 16, 1521 Sight of the Philippines
Magellan’s fleet reached the Philippines, landing first on Homonhon Island. This marked a crucial moment in the expedition, as they established contact with local rulers and began missionary work.
April 7, 1521 Arrival in Cebu
Magellan formed an alliance with Rajah Humabon of Cebu. Many of the local people, including the rajah, were baptized as Christians. Magellan viewed this as a great success for both exploration and religion.
April 27, 1521 Battle of Mactan and Death of Magellan
Magellan attempted to subdue Lapu-Lapu, a local chieftain who resisted conversion. In the ensuing Battle of Mactan, Magellan was killed. His death marked a turning point in the expedition’s leadership and morale.
Continued Journey Without Magellan
May 1521 Leadership Transition
Following Magellan’s death, leadership fell to Juan Sebastián Elcano and others. The fleet continued its mission, though internal divisions and dwindling supplies made progress difficult.
November 1521 Reaching the Spice Islands
The two surviving ships, Trinidad and Victoria, reached the long-sought Moluccas. They successfully traded for valuable spices like cloves, which were highly prized in Europe.
December 1521 Departure from the Moluccas
Victoria, under Elcano’s command, departed westward to return to Spain. Trinidad, attempting to return via the Pacific, was captured by the Portuguese and later destroyed.
Return and Completion of Circumnavigation
May 1522 Arrival at the Cape of Good Hope
Victoria sailed around the southern tip of Africa, facing storms and dwindling supplies. This treacherous journey was the final test before reaching home.
September 6, 1522 Return to Spain
The ship Victoria arrived at Sanlúcar de Barrameda with only 18 survivors and a cargo of spices. After nearly three years, the expedition completed the first known circumnavigation of the Earth.
Legacy of Magellan’s Expedition
Scientific and Geographic Impact
The expedition confirmed that the Earth is round and that it is possible to circumnavigate it by sea. It provided valuable data on global geography, ocean currents, and wind patterns.
Economic and Political Consequences
The successful trade for spices justified the Spanish investment and laid the foundation for future colonial ambitions in Asia and the Pacific. It also challenged Portuguese dominance in maritime exploration.
Human Cost
Out of the original 270 men, only 18 returned. The expedition’s enormous toll in human lives underscores the perilous nature of early global navigation.
The timeline of Magellan’s expedition reveals a tale of courage, hardship, and discovery. From its launch in 1519 to its historic return in 1522, the journey pushed the boundaries of human exploration. Though Magellan did not live to complete the voyage, his name is forever linked to one of the most significant achievements in maritime history. The expedition changed the world’s understanding of geography and demonstrated the interconnectedness of global regions, shaping centuries of exploration that followed.