1521 Expedition

The 1521 Expedition refers to Ferdinand Magellan's pioneering voyage, which started in 1519, aiming to find a westward route to Asia. Although Magellan was killed in the Philippines in 1521, his fleet continued and completed the first circumnavigation of the globe in 1522 under new leadership. This expedition proved that the Earth is round and opened new sea routes, significantly impacting global navigation, trade, and European exploration. It marked a major milestone in maritime history by demonstrating the possibility of reaching Asia by sailing westward and establishing lasting European presence in the Pacific and beyond.