Map of the Magellan-Elcano expedition: the first circumnavigation of the world
The first circumnavigation of the world, also known as the Magellan-Elcano expedition, became one of the most important landmarks in human history. The expedition, originally called the Armada de Especiería, departed from Sanlúcar de Barrameda on 20 September 1519 led by the Portuguese sailor Ferdinand Magellan. A reduced crew arrived there almost three years later, under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano. In order to commemorate the 500th anniversary of their arrival, we have designed this map connecting the key spots of this legendary journey.
Even though the Magellan-Elcano expedition is now remembered as the first circumnavigation of the world, that was not its original purpose at all. Indeed, their aim was to find a passage to the Southern Sea, currently known as the Pacific Ocean. Ferdinand Magellan believed they would find the Spice Islands—what is to say, the Moluccas. According to the Treaty of Tordesillas, these islands belonged to Spain, and King Charles I of Spain funded the expedition providing a fleet of five ships which they expected to come back carrying valuable goods. Therefore, the primary goal was mostly commercial.
Throughout the journey—which you can follow looking up our map of the Magellan-Elcano expedition —the Armada de Especiería faced countless adversities. The Portuguese threat, sickness, mutinies, attacks from natives, the challenges of the sea… They went through incredibly difficult times and only the ship called Nao Victoria could complete the expedition.
Magellan died during a battle in the Philippines, and this is why Juan Sebastián Elcano took charge of what was left of the fleet. A sailor from Getaria was one of the 18 men who managed to return to Sanlúcar and Seville. Only 18 out of 239. The spices they brought with them more than paid for the cost of the journey.
Alex Miklan
