Who was the Spanish explorer whose ships completed the first known circumnavigation of the globe?

Ferdinand Magellan was the Spanish explorer who led the expedition that achieved the first known circumnavigation of the globe. His journey began in 1519 when he set out with a fleet intending to find a westward route to the Spice Islands. Despite facing numerous challenges, including treacherous waters and conflicts with indigenous peoples, Magellan's expedition continued and ultimately succeeded in completing the circumnavigation. Though Magellan himself did not survive the entire journey—he was killed in the Philippines in 1521—his fleet, under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano, successfully returned to Spain in 1522. This monumental voyage provided crucial evidence of the Earth's roundness and significantly enhanced European navigation and expansionist efforts.

Understanding Magellan's role highlights the Age of Exploration, a period characterized by European powers seeking new trade routes and territories, which fundamentally transformed global commerce and cultural exchanges.