Profession: Explorer and Navigator
Biography: Juan Sebastián Elcano was a Spanish explorer who completed the first known successful circumnavigation of the Earth after taking over Ferdinand Magellan's expedition. Originally serving as a ship's master on the Magellan expedition, he assumed command after Magellan was killed in the Philippines in 1521.
Against considerable odds, including scurvy, starvation, and threats from local chieftains, Elcano successfully led the remaining crew back to Spain aboard the Victoria, one of the original five ships. The journey was beset by numerous challenges, including navigating the unknown waters of the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic, all while dealing with a diminishing crew and limited supplies.
For his role in this achievement, Elcano was awarded a coat of arms featuring a globe with the Latin inscription "Primus circumdedisti me" ("You were the first to circumnavigate me") by Charles I of Spain. This was an essential chapter in the Age of Discovery, extending the horizons of the known world.
Later Elcano would set out on another expedition, this time led by García Jofre de Loaísa, to the West Indies where they were to colonize the Spice Islands. De Loaísa would die of scurvy, as would Elcano, and only a small group ultimately made it back to Spain after visiting the Spice Islands.
Born: c. 1486
Birthplace: Getaria, Spain
Died: August 4, 1526
Cause of Death: Scurvy
Historical Events
- 1522-09-06 Ferdinand Magellan's Spanish expedition now led by Juan Sebastián Elcano returns to Seville without their captain after three years. First to circumnavigate the globe
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