What did Ferdinand Magellan discover? First circumnavigation of the world led by Ferdinand Magellan

Table of contents:

What did Ferdinand Magellan discover? First circumnavigation of the world led by Ferdinand Magellan
What did Ferdinand Magellan discover? First circumnavigation of the world led by Ferdinand Magellan
Anonim

Before leaving our planet for the first time and reaching the moon, people needed to know as accurately as possible what would be needed for such a distant expedition. Thanks to the latest technology, they were also able to communicate with the stations that controlled the flight. However, the journey of Ferdinand Magellan, who took command of five ships, looked completely different. In contrast to the first situation, the sailors did not go along a pre-designed route, but into the unknown, into the abyss of water, where they had never been before. If a book were written about this expedition and this person, then it would undoubtedly have a title like: "Fernand Magellan - the history of a trip around the world." On the other hand, the name could have been more interesting. Such a novel could be called: "Fernand Magellan - a conquistador in the Indian Ocean." Whatever the title of this book, it would be a story of faith and valor. So let's find out what this journey has given us, modern people. We will also be able to see what Fernand discoveredMagellan.

What Ferdinand Magellan discovered
What Ferdinand Magellan discovered

What gave Magellan's voyage

This daring journey is one of the most courageous feats of all times and peoples. It influenced people's ideas about our planet and went down in history as the first round-the-world trip led by Ferdinand Magellan. Thanks to this man, it became known that America and Asia are separated by a huge amount of water, that on our planet there is a common ocean. At the end of this journey, no one doubted or argued about the shape of the Earth. This expanded the capabilities of the scientists of that time, allowing them to accurately calculate the size of our planet.

Fernand Magellan's acquaintance with sea voyages

This man was born not among the poor, but among the nobles. Therefore, of course, he acted as all young noble youths did in those days - he needed to become a page at the royal court. From this point in his life, this man began to learn more about sea travel and outstanding travels. Here he learned about the recent voyage of Christopher Columbus, who returned from the shores of America. There he was actively involved in the search for a western route by sea to the "spice islands" (meaning Indonesia). By interacting more with these people, young Fernand most likely already imagines a life full of adventure.

Ferdinand Magellan what and where he discovered
Ferdinand Magellan what and where he discovered

A sharp change of events

However, in 1495, a great tragedy occurs - João II passes away, and yet he treated him so wellto the youth. As a result of this misfortune, power falls into the hands of Manuel I, who thinks not about scientific discoveries, but about his we alth and respect. For a young dreamer, everything changes. Despite numerous requests from Magellan to organize a sea expedition, the ruler remains adamant. More than 10 years after the death of the previous king, Ferdinand is allowed to set sail. This young but enterprising young man is sent on a military swim to intercept ships with spices from Arab merchants. After some time, he again goes to sea and already reaches Malacca. True, despite all the efforts of the young man, his courage and courage, the king sends him to “retirement”, allocating a small allowance, and dismisses him from service.

First circumnavigation of the world led by Ferdinand Magellan
First circumnavigation of the world led by Ferdinand Magellan

Magellan does not give up

Despite all the difficulties, our hero did not despair. The former sailor Juan from Lisbon helps him to raise his spirit. Together they discuss how best to get to the coveted "Spice Islands". Both come to the conclusion that this can be done by heading southwest and sailing across the ocean to the newly discovered Balboa. It seems to both one and the other that "spice islands" are located on the other side of this ocean. So, our traveler is inspired by a seemingly quite incredible idea - to explore the western route to the East. However, without money, even in those days, ships were not built, and expeditions were not organized. Therefore, Magellan began to seek financial support. Realizing that Manuel did notto get the help he needs, Fernand decides to turn to the Spanish king.

Fernand Magellan and the Spanish king

The King of Spain turns out to be much smarter than Manuel, with whom Magellan had disagreements. This young monarch not only does not interfere with the navigator, but is also personally interested in discovering and using the western route to the "Spice Islands". For him, this seems quite reasonable, since the opening of this route would once and for all put an end to his feud with the Portuguese navigators on the sea routes. The monarch likes the opportunity to appropriate the “spice islands” over time. That's what they decided on. The king decides that Magellan's voyage is quite possible to carry out using five old wooden ships (apparently, the monarch decided to save money here as well). So, Fernand is appointed commander-in-chief of this small Spanish flotilla.

Ferdinand Magellan the history of the world tour
Ferdinand Magellan the history of the world tour

Expedition ready

At last, after long preparations for a whole year, travelers set sail on September 20, 1519. So they continue their voyage until March 31 next year. During this time, they were able to reach the territory that is known today as Argentina. However, the entire crew is desperate because they cannot find the necessary isthmus to swim across to another ocean. Because of what, an uprising breaks out in the flotilla. At this point, it is worth paying tribute to Magellan, he was able to quickly suppress this rebellion. Two of the rioters lost their lives.

What Ferdinand Magellan discovered in histravel

Ferdinand Magellan first circumnavigation of the world
Ferdinand Magellan first circumnavigation of the world

Throughout the journey, the team has endured many difficulties, but also achieved its ultimate goal. What did Ferdinand Magellan discover? In the course of the journey, they gave names to some territories. For example, modern Patagonia owes its name to this expedition. Seeing people with a strong physique, the team felt like gnomes against the background of these "strong men" ("Patagonia" - Spanish. "big-legged"). A full year after the start of the journey, the three remaining ships cross the Strait of Magellan, as it is called today (one ship was wrecked a few months earlier, and the other left the travelers and sailed back to Spain). Magellan also owes its name to the Pacific Ocean. The navigator named it so because, compared to the previous ones, they were never overtaken by a storm there.

Ferdinand Magellan conquistador in the Indian Ocean
Ferdinand Magellan conquistador in the Indian Ocean

Was this journey worth what Ferdinand Magellan discovered? Judge for yourself. However, for the navigator himself, this journey was very expensive.

Death of famous traveler

Due to the fact that he intervened in the conflict between the tribes, the navigator paid with his life. Only the ship "Victoria" - one of five - returned to its native harbor. Thus ended the story of how Ferdinand Magellan made the first round-the-world voyage known to the whole world. By mentally traveling with him, we were able to better understand what feelings were experienced by people who decided on this desperatefeat. Now Ferdinand Magellan is well known to us. What and where he discovered - we also now know.

Recommended: