Ferdinand Magellan

Definition

A Portuguese explorer who organized the Spanish expedition to the East Indies from 1519 to 1522, resulting in the first circumnavigation of the Earth.

Analogy

Think of Magellan as a marathon runner. Just like a runner completes a full circuit around a track, Magellan led an expedition that made it all the way around the globe for the first time!

Related terms

Circumnavigation: The complete travel around something, such as Earth. This was achieved by Magellan's crew even though he himself did not survive the entire journey.

Strait of Magellan: A navigable sea route separating mainland South America to the north and Tierra del Fuego to the south; named after Ferdinand Magellan who discovered it during his global circumnavigation voyage.

Age of Discovery: A period in history starting in early 15th century and continuing into early 17th century during which Europeans explored Africa, Americas, Asia and Oceania extensively.