How Magellan circumnavigated the globe - Ewandro Magalhaes

About this Video

• Video Title: How Magellan circumnavigated the globe
• Channel: TED-Ed
• Speakers: Ewandro Magalhaes (voiceover)
• Duration: 00:05:53

Introduction

This TED-Ed video recounts Ferdinand Magellan's 1519-1522 expedition, the first circumnavigation of the globe. It details the historical context, including the Treaty of Tordesillas, the challenges faced (mutiny, storms, starvation), Magellan's death in the Philippines, and the ultimate success of the Victoria in returning to Spain.

Key Takeaways

• The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494): Divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal, impacting Magellan's westward voyage to the Spice Islands.
• Magellan's Expedition (1519-1522): Faced numerous obstacles, including mutiny, shipwrecks, and starvation, ultimately resulting in Magellan's death in the Philippines.
• First Circumnavigation: Despite challenges and Magellan's death, the Victoria, under Juan Sebastián Elcano, completed the first circumnavigation, returning to Spain with valuable spices.
• Enrique's Role: A slave who served as an interpreter, Enrique may have been the first person to circumnavigate the globe. His fate after the voyage remains unknown.
• Legacy: Magellan and Elcano's achievements are commemorated through various means, including naming celestial bodies and appearing on currency and stamps.