First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta

• The First Voyage around the World was written by Antonio Pigafetta.
• King Charles I of Spain wanted to find the Moluccas- the Spice Islands

Who is Antonio Pigafetta?

• Antonio Pigafetta, also known as Antonio Lombardo, was born around 1491 in Vicenza, Italy.
• Pigafetta came from a wealthy family and was the eldest son of Giovanni Pigafetta and Angela Zoga.
• He was an Italian scholar and explorer who studied astronomy, geography, and cartography in his youth.
• Pigafetta was among the 18 original crew members of Magellan's expedition to complete the world's first circumnavigation, before returning to Spain.
• Pigafetta died in 1534 in Vicenza, Italy.

Pigafetta's Journal

• Pigafetta's journal is considered the most complete account of Magellan's successful circumnavigation from 1519-1522.
• Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese gentleman, was the captain-general of the voyage.
• The goal of the voyage was to find the Moluccas, also known as the Spice Islands.

Historical Background

• Spices were a highly demanded and profitable commodity among Europeans for food preservation, flavor enhancement, and medicine.
• Commerce intensified the rivalry between Spain and Portugal on the Iberian Peninsula.
• Spaniards supported Magellan to travel to the East via a westward route in pursuit of spices, after his plan was rejected by King Manuel I of Portugal.
• The fleet departed from Spain on August 10, 1519.
• Three out of the initial five ships in the expedition reached the Philippines.
• Magellan's survivors were able to reach the Spice Islands with only two ships remaining.
• The Victoria, led by Elcano, was the only ship left after the voyage, with only 18 out of the original 270 men surviving.

Magellan's Fleet

• The Trinidad: 55 crew members led by Ferdinand Magellan
• The Conception: 45 crew members led by Gaspar de Quesada
• The San Antonio: 60 crew members led by Juan del Catageña, who deserted the fleet in August 1520 and returned to Spain
• The Victoria: 43 crew members led by Mendoza
• The Santiago: 32 crew members led by Juan Rodriguez

The Battle of Mactan

• 49 crew members led by Magellan fought against 1500 natives led by Lapulapu.
• Musketeers and crossbowmen fired from a distance for 30 minutes, wounding natives but they shouted louder.
• Natives retaliated by throwing arrows, javelins, spears hardened with fire, stones, and mud.
• Magellan was killed with a poisoned arrow, which pierced his right leg.

After Magellan's Demise

• Gonzalo Gomez de Espinosa was chosen as the new captain, leading the ship Trinidad.
• Juan Sebastian Elcano was appointed to captain the ship Victoria.

Return to Seville, Spain

• The return occurred on September 8, 1522.
• Only 18 crew members remained.
• Some crew members died of hunger, some ran away at the island of Timor, and some were condemned to death for their crimes.
• The travelogue, journal, and logbook were presented to several people.

Significance of the Journal

• Socio-cultural significance: Pigafetta's detailed account of the Visayans' physical appearance, attitude, and traditions reflects Visayan ancestors' early life.
• Political significance: Throughout the pre-colonial period of the Philippines, notably in Visayas, each island had a monarchy as leadership. Each island was once headed by a chieftain, known as Raia or Raja.
• Economic significance: Barter system existed, where both parties exchanged goods. Filipinos wore clothing crafted to conceal their natural parts, utilized stone and metal tools and were wealthy in gold.

Dates to Remember

• March 16, 1521: The crew arrived on Humunhon, Zamal (Samar) island.
• March 18, 1521: The crew met nine Zuluans and exchanged gifts. The Zuluans promised rice, coconuts, and food within 4 days.
• March 22, 1521: The Zuluans provided two boats with coconuts, sweet oranges, palm wine, and a rooster.
• March 25, 1521: Pigafetta's accident influenced steering, taking them west-southwest past Cenalo, Hiunanghan, Ibusson, and Abarien.
• March 29, 1521: Magellan befriended the Raja of Zamatra, providing food and goods, becoming casi-casi (brother) with him.
• March 31, 1521: The first Catholic mass was held.
• April 7, 1521: The crew entered the port of Zubu (Cebu).
• April 8, 1521: Magellan's interpreter, Enrique, met with the Raja of Zubu to discuss sincere agreements, leading to a blood pact between Magellan and the Raja.
• April 9, 1521: The Raja of Mazaua met Magellan with Moro to make peace, about God, encouraging them to convert to Christianity
• April 14, 1521: 800 people were baptized including Raja Humabon ordering them to destroy the "anitos" and create a cross, so they are given a statue of the Sto. Niño de Jesus. Magellan pledged to fight all rivals including Lapulapu.
• April 27, 1521: Magellan's message to Lapulapu demanded tribute and allegiance to the King of Spain, Lapulapu denied their request.
• April 28, 1521: The Battle of Mactan occurred, and Raja Humabon poisoned the crew, which followed from a rape.

This content explores 'The First Voyage Around the World' by Antonio Pigafetta. Pigafetta, an Italian scholar, documented Magellan's expedition. The voyage aimed to discover the Moluccas, also known as the Spice Islands.