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On September 6, 1522, the Victoria sailed into a port in southern Spain. ️
The dilapidated ship and 18 sailors were the only survivors of the previous fleet.
However, her voyage was considered a success, as the Victoria completed an unprecedented circumnavigation of the globe. ✨
️ But the story actually began in 1494, just two years after Columbus sailed on behalf of Spain.
Columbus's discovery prompted the Catholic Spanish rulers to turn to the Pope to pre-empt any Portuguese claims to the New World. ⛪️
The Pope settled this controversy by drawing a virtual dividing line on the world map.
Spain has the right to claim territory west of the demarcation line, while Portugal has the right to claim territory east of the demarcation line. ↔️
At that time, these countries were all ready to covet the same prize, the trade route to the Spice Islands in present-day Indonesia. ️
The spices there are used as spices, food preservatives and aphrodisiacs and are worth several times their weight. ️
But due to Portugal's control of the eastern route, Spain's only viable option was to sail west. ️
So when a Portuguese defector named Fernando Magellan claimed the existence of a westward route to the Spice Islands, King Charles appointed him captain of the Spanish fleet and provided him with all the necessary resources. ⚓️️
He awarded Magellan five ships and about 260 crew members.
The crew included Enrique, a young slave who was captured by Magellan on his way to Malacca, and Antonio Pigafitta, a Venetian nobleman seeking adventure. ⚓️
On September 20, 1519, the fleet lifted anchor and headed southwest. ️
After landing in Brazil, they sailed along the coast, exploring any waterways that led inland. ️️
They are looking for a connection between East and West.
As the weather deteriorated, the Spaniards' anger at having a Portuguese captain escalated. ⛈️
Soon, a full-scale crew rebellion broke out, which Magellan brutally suppressed. ⚔️
⛈️ But his problems are just beginning. During a reconnaissance mission, the USS San Diego sank in a storm.
While exploring a narrow waterway, the captain of the San Antonio seized the first chance to escape and sailed home.
Magellan persevered and began exploring a navigable sea lane on October 21. ️
After 27 days of icy days, the remaining three ships entered the Pacific Ocean from what we now call the Strait of Magellan. ✨
The fleet never expected the new ocean to be so vast. ️
After 98 days of sailing, many sailors died of scurvy and starvation.
When they finally landed again, the young slave Enrique proved to be able to communicate with the indigenous population. ️♂️
Their goal should not be far off. Magellan continued his voyage westward, where he was warmly received by the Lahauma state of Cebu. ️
Therefore, when the local ruler asked him to help conquer and change the chief of Mactan, the captain readily agreed. ⚔️
Adventure will be his end. Magellan was overconfident, his flotilla, which was severely outnumbered, was defeated by the enemy, and the bamboo spears of the natives ended the captain's life. ⚔️☠️
However, the voyage must continue. Magellan's will stipulated that Enrique should be freed, but the expedition still needed an interpreter. ✍️️
Enrique is believed to have conspired with Lahauma to kill about 30 Spaniards at a feast on the beach. ⚰️
Enrique has not been heard of since, but if he had returned to Malacca, he could have become the first person to circumnavigate the globe. ⏪️
⚓️ Meanwhile, the survivors burned the Concepción and moved on.
They finally arrived at the Spice Islands in November 1521 and were loaded with valuable cargo.
But they still need to go back to Spain. The Trinidad sank shortly after it was recaptured by the Portuguese.
The Victoria continued westward with the forgiven mutineer Sebastián Elcano at the helm. ️
Against all odds, the small boat returned to Spain with a full load of cloves and cinnamon, enough to cover the cost of the entire expedition and make a profit.
⚓️ A persistent recorder, Pigafitta describes the lands and people they encountered. ️
With the help of a humble slave, he also compiled the world's first book of phrases in indigenous languages.
His diary is the reason why we are able to tell this story. ️
⭐️ Magellan's legacy lives on. He has galaxies and space programs named after him.
Elcano was also praised in Spain, his family received her coat of arms, and his face appeared on currency and stamps.
Survivors who have risked their lives to defy conventional wisdom and completed a historical voyage that was considered impossible