Mr. History's Blog

Ferdinand Magellan was born in 1480 at Saborosa in the Province of Traz os Montes in Portugal. He was well-tutored at home. Because of his family heritage, he became a page to Queen Leonor at the royal court in Portugal. His first voyage was at the age of 25 in 1505 where he was sent to India to make Francisco de Almeida as the Portuguese viceroy. The voyage resulted in the Battle of Diu with the Indians as they did not respect Almeida in 1509. He then took a leave without permission. This resulted him out of favor with Almeida. He was also accused of illegally trading with the Moors (Arabs).With these accusations and taking a leave without permission, he was not employed since May 15, 1514. He then renounced his Portuguese nationality so that he could serve the Spanish crown. He convinced King Charles I of Spain to support his voyage to the Spice Islands. His request was soon accepted. He was provided with five ships for the expedition and about 250 men. On September 20, 1519 he left Spain for his voyage. In 1521, he was killed by the Philippines natives. Finally, on September 6, his crew reached Spain with only eighteen survivors.