Which Portuguese navigator led the first expedition to sail around the world?

Ferdinand Magellan is recognized for leading the first expedition to successfully sail around the world, which took place in the early 16th century. Magellan's journey began in 1519 and was crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, it marked the first time that a European expedition had completed a circumnavigation of the globe, providing invaluable information about the size of Earth and the vastness of the oceans. Magellan started with a fleet of five ships and aimed to find a westward route to the Spice Islands in the East Indies.

The expedition demonstrated the viability of global maritime navigation and opened new sea routes for trade and exploration. Although Magellan himself did not complete the journey—he was killed in the Philippines in 1521—one of his ships, the Victoria, completed the trip back to Spain in September 1522, successfully rounding the globe.

This achievement laid the groundwork for future exploration and had significant implications for global trade, colonialism, and the interaction between different cultures. The significance of Magellan's expedition extends far beyond the voyage itself; it had lasting impacts on geography and historical understanding of the world.