Ferdinand Magellan Facts

Picture of Ferdinand Megellan

Picture of the explorer Ferdinand Magellan

This article on  the biography and life of Ferdinand Magellan provides facts and information about:

  • Who was Ferdinand Magellan?
  • The first expedition around the world
  • What was his involvement in the Discovery of America?
  • Life and Biography of Ferdinand Magellan
  • Fast information and interesting facts about Ferdinand Magellan
  • Educational resource for teachers and kids
  • Facts about Ferdinand Magellan
Explorers & Discovery of America
American Colonies Index

History of the Famous Explorers and the Discovery of America

The discovery of America and the brave explorers like Ferdinand Magellan that led the way for the early colonists

Facts about Ferdinand Magellan
This article contains a short biography in a fact file format in date order. Ferdinand Magellan was famous for leading the first expedition around the world, sailing through the Straits of Magellan and entering the Pacific Ocean  

Ships of Ferdinand Magellan

Ships of Ferdinand Magellan

Facts about Ferdinand Magellan
The following Fact File contains fast information about the life of Ferdinand Magellan. Interesting facts and an overview and description of the life and times and his involvement in the Exploration and the discovery of the New World leading to the colonization of America.

Facts about Ferdinand Magellan

Ferdinand Magellan Fact 1Why was Ferdinand Magellan famous and what part of America did he explore? Ferdinand Magellan was famous for leading the first expedition around the world, sailing through the Straits of Magellan and entering the Pacific Ocean 
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 220 September 20, 1519 Ferdinand Magellan led 5 Spanish ships and 251 men in what was to become the first voyage around the World
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 3The names of the ships were the Trinidad, the San Antonio, the Conception, the Victoria and the Santiago.
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 4The type of ships used were caravels. Caravels were broad-beamed ships, 45 feet to 100 feet long, that had 3 masts with square sails and also triangular sails
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 5When was Ferdinand Magellan born? He was born c1480
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 6What was his country of origin and where was Ferdinand Magellan born? He was born at Saborosa in Villa Real, Province of Traz os Montes in Portugal
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 7He came from an influential  and wealthy family and was a well educated man
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 8He spent his early years at the Portuguese court and studied cartography and navigation
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 9Ferdinand Magellan was inspired by the voyages of Christopher Columbus and decided that he also wanted to make voyages of exploration.
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 10He took part in voyages to India and Africa
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 11Whilst serving on Portuguese ships he had a disagreement with a commanding officer and left the service without prior permission
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 12Ferdinand Magellan lost support from the Portuguese court and went to Spain
 
 

Facts about Ferdinand Magellan for Kids

Fast facts and information about the life of Ferdinand Magellan. Who was Ferdinand Magellan and why was he famous? When did he explore the New World of America? Which area of America did Ferdinand Magellan explore? Read the fact file that provides fast access to interesting facts for kids about the life of this famous explorer and his place in the history of America.

Facts about Ferdinand Magellan

Ferdinand Magellan Fact 13He convinced King Charles I of Spain to support a voyage to the Spice Islands and was promised one-fifth of the profits
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 14The King provided a small fleet of five ships - the Trinidad, the San Antonio, the Conception, the Victoria and the Santiago.
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 15March 22, 1519: He convinced King Charles I of Spain to support his voyage to the Spice Islands. King Charles promised Magellan one-fifth of the profits from the voyage to the Spice Islands
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 1620 September, 1519: The fleet under Ferdinand Magellan sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to South America and Rio de Janeiro. Magellan then started to search for a passage to the Pacific Ocean
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 17Ferdinand Magellan commanded the Trinidad
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 18Ferdinand Magellan led the 5 ships and 251 men in what was to become the first voyage around the World
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 19The fleet anchored for the winter at Puerto San Julian in Southern Argentina, They leave in September but a storm destroys the Santiago and a mutiny breaks out but is soon quashed
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 2013 February 13, 1521: Magellan reaches the Equator
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 21March 1521: They discover the the Pacific island of Guam and the Philippines by which time only 110 of the original 251 crew members are left alive
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 22April 27, 1521: Ferdinand Magellan is killed by natives on the island of Mactan in the Philippines. So few of the crew remain that they abandon the Conception
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 23The Trinidad is captured by the Portuguese, leaving the Victoria as the last remaining ship
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 241522, September 6, 1522:  The Victoria reached Sanlucar de Barrameda in Spain with only 18 survivors.
 
 
Ferdinand Magellan Fact 25The historic voyage of this great explorer had taken nearly three years and had cost 233 lives.
 
 

Facts about Ferdinand Magellan for Kids

Ferdinand Magellan - Fast, Fun Facts for kids
The life and biography of Ferdinand Magellan is presented in a short, easy fact file format that is highly suitable for kids. The facts about  are a fast and accurate way to gain a good understanding of the life of this famous man who played a major role in the Discovery of America. The facts include the major events in the life of this great explorer together with important dates and details of his family. For additional facts for kids and information refer to the additional articles including:

Mercator World Map

The Exploration & Discovery of America - The Geradus Mercator World Map

Ferdinand Magellan

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  • Social Studies Homework help for kids on Ferdinand Magellan facts

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