Ferdynand Magellan (photo:public domain)
Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521) - sailor and explorer. Ferdinand Magellan was born one of three children of the mayor of the city of Sabrosa. When he was 10 he became an orphan and two years later he was taken to the Portuguese court, where he became the page of King John II. In 1505 he went to sea for the first time. During the expedition to India, he thought it was the creation of Portuguese bases along the way.
In the following years, he gained experience in the service of the next king, Manuel I, but he did not do well. The new ruler was reluctant to the people of his predecessor and informed Magellan in 1514 that he would no longer be in royal service. The sailor, with the permission of the ruler, went to Spain, where he managed to reach King Charles I. He became his subject and even gained some influence.
Charles I granted him funds for an expedition that was to discover a new road to the Spice Islands and thus provide enormous income from the spice trade. Magellan purchased 5 ships and set off on September 20. The Portuguese ruler wanted to prevent the expedition and ordered his units to pursue the admiral, but the sailor managed to escape the chase.
Magellan reached South America and found a way around the continent. Sailing on, he had to deal with the revolts of the captains and the natives. During one of the clashes with the natives in 1521, Magellan was killed. His expedition continued, however, and its members became the first people to circumnavigate the world.