Magellan was the leader of the first group of ships to sail around the world. They began in September of 1519, with 5 ships and 260 men, hoping to find a passage through to the Pacific Ocean and the East. Magellan sailed down the coast of Brazil and through the Straits of Magellan where one ship turned back and another was lost in a fierce storm. In November 1520, he reached the Pacific Ocean, which he named because of its peaceful appearance.
He then set out across the huge Pacific Ocean not knowing how large it was. After months at sea his men were suffering from scurvy and starvation and were forced to eat ship rats and sawdust to survive. Finally, they reached the Philippine Islands (named for King Phillip of Spain) but Magellan was killed April 27, 1521 in a local war between two tribes. Believing that God would protect him, Magellan attacked a group of 3000 native inhabitants with only 60 volunteers. After fighting on the beach for more than an hour, Magellan received a spear wound in his arm. The men left on board the ships would not come to Magellan's rescue and he was soon killed.
Factfile: Even though Magellan did not truly sail around the world himself, he did manage to cross the huge Pacific Ocean and learn its enormous size.
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Copyright © 2001 C. Fotheringham, P. Milz, and Galileo Educational Network Association™