Ferdinand magellan timeline in the philippines

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The resistance demonstrated by Lapulapu and his troops became a symbol of indigenous resistance and a testament to the preservation of cultural identity.

Losses of the Expedition

Table: Losses Incurred by the Magellan Expedition

Expedition AssetInitial QuantityRemaining Quantity
Ships51
Men27018

The expedition’s losses, both in terms of ships and men, were severe.

This resistance exemplified the indigenous people’s determination to preserve their autonomy and resist foreign subjugation.

The negotiations between the Spanish and the indigenous communities highlight the complexities of early contact and the intricate interplay between political alliances, conversion motivations, and the pursuit of local interests.

When they saw their houses burning, they were roused to greater fury. Chinese merchants played a crucial role in supplying goods, credit, and labor to the Spanish colony.

“The Chinese merchants were essential in facilitating trade and sustaining the Spanish colony in the Philippines,” says Dr. Maria Sanchez, a historian specializing in Southeast Asian history.

Two of our men were killed near the houses, while we burned twenty or thirty houses. Out of the five ships and more than 300 men who left on the Magellan expedition in 1519, only one ship (the Victoria) and 18 men returned to Seville, Spain on September 6, 1522. Arriving in the city, they contributed their labor to various occupations such as construction, farming, and trade.

When the broadsword -wielding man approached, he hacked off Magellan's neck. On March 16, 1521, Magellan's expedition landed on Homonhon island in the Philippines.


Seeing that, the captain general sent some men to burn their houses in order to terrify them. The political context of the time, marked by complex inter-group rivalries, influenced the choices made by indigenous leaders.

ferdinand magellan timeline in the philippines

This trade route not only brought wealth to Manila but also cemented its strategic importance in international commerce.

The Spanish rule in the Philippines relied on the labor of the indigenous population. Rajah Humabon of Cebu was friendly with Magellan and embraced Christianity, but their enemy, Lapu-Lapu was not. The discoveries made during the expedition fueled curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, leading to further exploration and a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

“The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible, but these obstacles have never been sufficient reason to remain ashore… unlike the mediocre, intrepid spirits seek victory over those things that seem impossible… it is with an iron will that they embark on the most daring of all endeavors… to meet the shadowy future without fear and conquer the unknown.” – Ferdinand Magellan

Impact on Geographic Knowledge

Magellan’s voyage revolutionized geographic understanding.

Their journey was marked by uncertainty and the constant struggle to overcome the obstacles that stood in their way.

Despite these formidable challenges, the expedition persevered. The scarcity of fresh food and water posed a significant challenge, forcing the crew to ration their supplies and find innovative ways to sustain themselves.

The Scourge of Scurvy

Scurvy was a rampant and debilitating disease that plagued sailors during long sea voyages.

When the captain saw that, he formed us into two divisions, and thus digd we begin to fight. Ineffective, he went south along the Patagonian coast after searching the Rio de la Plata, a huge estuary located south of Brazil


The Spanish captains attempt to overthrow their Portuguese leader on Easter Sunday at midnight, but Magellan put an end to the uprising, killing one of the captains and living another onshore when his ship left St.

Julian in August. The Spanish presence became heavily dependent on regional trade networks and the China trade, with Chinese intermediaries playing a crucial role in facilitating the exchange of goods and silver.

What was the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade?

The Manila-Acapulco galleon trade dominated economic life in Manila for two centuries.

The increasing wealth and influence of Chinese contractors, coupled with the resistance against oppression, revealed fissures in the colonial structure.

Chinese Labor and its Impact on Manila Society

The Chinese labor force provided a critical foundation for Manila’s society and economy. But when the natives identified him as the captain, he was the target of the assault.

As they traveled through vast stretches of the ocean, they had to rely on the provisions they had originally set sail with. They encountered rough seas, unpredictable weather patterns, and treacherous currents. "He (Magellan) was struck by an arrow on the thigh, just above the knee, " he claimed.