The Return of the Victoria: Completing the First Circumnavigation of the Globe

On September 6, 1522, the Spanish carrack Victoria made history by returning to Spain, marking the completion of the first circumnavigation of the globe. This monumental achievement was part of an expedition originally led by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, under the auspices of the Spanish crown.

Background

• Ferdinand Magellan’s Expedition: The expedition set sail from Seville on September 20, 1519, with five ships and about 270 men. Magellan’s goal was to find a westward route to the Spice Islands (the Moluccas) in Indonesia, which were rich in valuable spices like cloves and nutmeg.

• The Fleet: The fleet consisted of five ships: Trinidad (the flagship), San Antonio, Concepción, Santiago, and Victoria. The journey was fraught with challenges, including treacherous waters, scurvy, and conflicts among the crew.

Key Events Leading to the Circumnavigation

• Strait of Magellan: In October 1520, the expedition successfully navigated the strait at the southern tip of South America, which was later named the Strait of Magellan. This passage allowed them to enter the Pacific Ocean.

• Pacific Crossing: The fleet endured a grueling 98-day crossing of the Pacific Ocean, suffering from starvation and disease. They eventually reached the Philippines in March 1521.

• Magellan’s Death: In April 1521, Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan in the Philippines. Leadership of the expedition passed to Juan Sebastián Elcano.

The Return Journey

• The Spice Islands: After Magellan’s death, the remaining ships reached the Spice Islands in November 1521. They loaded their holds with precious spices, which were the primary objective of the voyage.

• The Victoria’s Voyage Home: Of the original fleet, only the Victoria, commanded by Elcano, managed to return to Spain. The ship sailed westward across the Indian Ocean, rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and finally reached Spain.

Significance and Aftermath

• Completion of the Circumnavigation: The Victoria’s return on September 6, 1522, completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth, proving that the world was round and that it was possible to sail around it.

• Impact on Exploration: This achievement had a profound impact on global exploration and trade, opening new maritime routes and establishing Spain as a dominant maritime power.

• Legacy: The expedition demonstrated the vastness of the Earth and the potential for global trade. It also highlighted the challenges of long-distance sea travel, including the need for better navigation techniques and understanding of global geography.

The Victoria’s journey remains a testament to human endurance and the spirit of exploration, marking a pivotal moment in the Age of Discovery.