2021-04-27 Tue

Ferdinand Magellan was the Portuguese navigator and explorer who sailed under the flag of both Portuguese and Spain. He was a Portuguese explorer who organized a Spain expedition to the East Indies from 1519 to 1522, resulting in the first circumnavigation of the Earth, which was completed by Juan Sebastian Elcano.

Ferdinand Magellan was the first expedition to sail around the world. He also discovered a passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean that is today called the Straits of Magellan. As a traveler, Magellan had traveled to India by sailing around Africa. He thought that there must be a route to travel to the west and around America. The King of Portugal did not agree with Ferdinand Magellan and argued with him. Finally, Magellan went to King Charles V of Spain who agreed to fund the voyage.

On 27 April, Magellan and members of his crew attempted to subdue the Mactan natives by force, but in the ensuing battle, the Europeans were overpowered and Magellan was killed. Magellan has come to be renowned for his navigational skill and tenacity. The first circumnavigation has been called "the greatest sea voyage in the Age of Discovery", and even "the most important maritime voyage ever undertaken".

Magellan was honored on the stamp issued by the Monaco Postal Department on the occasion of the 500th Anniversary of the First Circumnavigation of the Earth.

Image Courtesy: colnect.com