World tour by boat: history of the first circumnavigators

Who went around the world 500 years ago? Magellan of course! Starting from 2019 and for 3 years, we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the circumnavigation. Both Portugal and Spain claim this unique discovery, the two countries have agreed to offer a tailor-made program. 

The start of the celebrations was indeed launched by Juan Carlos and Felipe VI. Why not explore history in the light of this feat that greatly helped cartographers to specify the Earth's circumference and sea routes ?

Who traveled around the world 500 years ago?

You no longer remember exactly what the life of this Portuguese navigator was like? Let me accompany you and let's relive together the adventures of this unforgettable explorer. Magellan received a great mission from the Portuguese monarch Manuel 1st. The destination was not chosen randomly; it was to break the maritime monopoly of the Muslims in Africa and India. Soon falling victim to an ambush in 1509 in Malacca, Magellan is safe but crippled. He then makes a crucial encounter, that of Francisco Serrao who will remain his loyal companion.

In 1511 Malacca is captured and the spice route to the Moluccas Islands is created. Magellan then organizes with Serrao the cultivation of the clover. Although the explorer returns to Portugal in 1512, his project remains the Moluccas archipelago. It is thanks to the collaboration with the cosmographer Falleiro that he develops the new circuit. The personalized route consists of circumnavigating America to the West by exploiting a passage south of Brazil. However, following a quarrel with his king, he contacts Charles V, whose service he enters. He then conceives a maritime itinerary that circles the earth.

 In 1519, he embarked under the Spanish flag. The Spanish crown, which funded the expedition, provided 5 ships and 237 men for an authentic experience. On board were sailors of different nationalities :  Italians, Portuguese, Spaniards... A week later, the fleet reached the Canary Islands and then the coast of Africa. The progress of the ships was excellent; they soon crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Then came the landing in Rio, and finally, the Rio de la Plata was in sight. However, this journey was far from a peaceful cruise. 

Indeed, in 1520, a mutiny occurred which Magellan suppressed with particular violence. Indeed, the sailors no longer believed in the adventure. He then reached the strait that bears his name to the south. The navigation continued, and the men experienced various misadventures : local pirates, scurvy, and beriberi were part of their daily lives.  

In 1511, Malacca was captured, establishing the spice route to the Moluccas islands.

Nevertheless, ships cross the Pacific and successfully set course for the Philippines. To evangelize the island of Cebu, its king Humabon is baptized. On the other hand, the island of Mactan reserves a different fate for the crew. In fact, King Lapulapu refuses to submit. During this battle, Magellan is killed by a poisoned arrow. The rest of the crew continues their route towards the Cape of Good Hope and finally returns to Spain. It is the ship Victoria, with a Spanish Basque at the helm - Elcano, that completed the first circumnavigation of the world. That is why some suggest that Magellan did not complete his circumnavigation!