Who went around the world first? This question has intrigued historians and adventurers for centuries. The first recorded circumnavigation of the globe was a monumental achievement that reshaped our understanding of the world. Discovering the answer to this question takes us back to the early 16th century and the daring voyage of a Portuguese explorer named Ferdinand Magellan.
The journey began in 1519 when Magellan, sponsored by the Spanish crown, set sail with a fleet of five ships. His primary goal was to find a western route to the Spice Islands, which were located in the East Indies. However, Magellan’s true legacy lies in his audacious plan to circumnavigate the globe. With the belief that the Earth was round, he sought to prove this theory by completing a full circle around the planet.
The expedition faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, lack of food and water, and battles with indigenous peoples. Despite these obstacles, Magellan’s fleet pressed on. The journey took three years, from 1519 to 1522, and it was fraught with peril. Along the way, they discovered new lands, including the strait that would later be named after Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The first to complete the circumnavigation was not Magellan himself, as he was killed in the Philippines during a skirmish with local tribes. Instead, it was his second-in-command, Juan Sebastián Elcano, who led the surviving ships back to Spain. The fleet arrived in Seville on September 6, 1522, marking the first successful circumnavigation of the globe.
The success of Magellan’s expedition had profound implications for the world. It confirmed the Earth’s spherical shape, expanded European knowledge of the Pacific Ocean, and opened up new trade routes. Furthermore, it sparked a race among European powers to explore and colonize the newly discovered lands.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Who went around the world first?” is a testament to human curiosity and determination. Ferdinand Magellan’s daring voyage, though fraught with challenges, laid the foundation for future exploration and discovery. His legacy continues to inspire adventurers and scholars alike, reminding us of the incredible feats that humans can achieve when driven by a desire to explore the unknown.
