The Importance and Good Effects

of Magellan’s Circumnavigation
ASSIGNMENT (MARCH 16 ATTENDANCE)

ANGELIKA ORTEGA BSARCH 1A | READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY | MARCH 17, 2022

 There is a lot of significance to Magellan’s voyage around the world. First, the
relevance of geography was addressed and clearly demonstrated. There was a significant
update to the world map as the exploration showed that the world was much larger than
previously thought. It therefore established a form of global coordinates system, as the
various islands that Magellan encountered were named and recognized as part of a fixed
set. Secondly, vernacular maps of different countries were created, and they helped to
establish a common understanding of the world. It established for the first time that the
world was round, and that it was possible to sail through any point of the globe. Third,
the circumnavigation of Magellan also decisively refuted the "Flat Earth Theory," as it
gave geographical proof that the Earth is round and that it was possible to sail through
any point of the globe. Moreover, this voyage, of course, brought Christian Catholicism
to the Philippines. 

Moreover, it also highlights the importance of journal writing and historical

recording. Magellan also took advantage of Pigafetta’s navigation skills and entrusted
him with the responsibility of recording the expedition in multiple locations. Antonio
Pigafetta is highly credited for recording the important events during his explorations
with Magellan. His involvement in the expedition was significant and it allowed him to
spread accurate and reliable information. It is also through him that the Spaniards
acquired the idea that the Philippines, as well as the other islands, existed.

Magellan also named a number of islands, oceans, and routes, including the
Pacific Ocean, which he named Mar Pacifico because of its calmness and tranquility, the
Strait of Magellan, which links the Atlantic Ocean to Pacific Ocean, the Islas de Los
Ladrones (today's Marianas Island) which means "islands of thieves," and among many
others. Magellan also named several islands and cities in the Philippines.

Additionally, this provides us with a deep understanding of the differences

between discovery and rediscovery. Most often, we refer to Magellan when we are asked
about the person who discovered the Philippines. But being knowledgeable about the
expedition, we will know that there were already inhabitants or Filipinos when Magellan
arrived in the Philippines. 

Furthermore, it also clearly demonstrates that Lapu-Lapu himself did not kill
Magellan, but, according to the writings of Pigafetta, Lapu-Lapu’s people were the ones
who killed Magellan. It is deduced from the information that Magellan was killed by a
hunting company or soldiers, whose motivation would be that they wanted to plunder
Magellan’s belongings and his group.

Concludingly, knowing a little about the discovery of the Philippines and other
parts of the world can not only increase knowledge but also improve history. 

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