FERDINAND MAGELLAN (1480 – 1521)

The first acknowledged circumnavigator of the world, Ferdinand Magellan was born in Portugal. This Portuguese navigator and explorer was the first European to cross the Pacific Ocean. It was he who proved that the earth was round through his expeditions. He sailed under the flags of Portugal as well as Spain.

Magellan had a complex character, full of contradictions that remained an enigma. Many writers have denounced his transfer of allegiance, as they believe that the loyalty of Portuguese towards his sovereign was second only to his loyalty to God. In spite of all this the Portuguese were unanimous on one thing : "He is ours."