Ferdinand Magellan (Explorer)

Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the Earth in 1519-1522. Sponsored by Spain, his fleet aimed to find a westward route to Asia. Although Magellan was killed in the Philippines before completing the journey, his crew successfully navigated around South America through the treacherous strait now named after him—the Strait of Magellan—and continued across the Pacific Ocean. His expedition proved the Earth's roundness on a global scale and opened new routes for trade and exploration, marking a significant milestone in world history.