Here are some significant discoveries attributed to Magellan:
1. Strait of Magellan: Located at the southern tip of South America, the Strait of Magellan is a narrow passage that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Magellan discovered this strait in 1520 during his voyage.
2. Pacific Ocean: Magellan named the vast ocean he encountered after passing through the Strait of Magellan as the "Pacific Ocean." The name "Pacific" comes from the Latin word "pacificus," meaning "peaceful," as Magellan encountered calm seas during his crossing.
3. Mariana Islands: Magellan and his crew reached the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific in March 1521. They were among the first Europeans to visit these islands.
4. Philippine Islands: Magellan arrived in the Philippine archipelago in April 1521, becoming the first European explorer to reach this region. He named the islands "San Lazaro" but they later became known as the Philippines in honor of King Philip II of Spain.
5. Cebu: Magellan made contact with the native people of Cebu in the Philippines and established friendly relations with them. He planted a cross on the island, marking the arrival of Christianity in the region.
6. Mactan: Magellan's expedition faced resistance on the neighboring island of Mactan, where he was killed in a battle with local warriors led by Lapu-Lapu.
These are some of the prominent discoveries made by Ferdinand Magellan during his historic voyage around the world, although he did not personally complete the entire circumnavigation as he was killed in the Philippines.