"In the early 1500s, Europe was in the midst of an important age of exploration."
Magellan and the First Voyage Around the World by Levinson
After becoming a page to the Portuguese Queen in 1490, Magellan joined the Portuguese militia, fighting against the Arabs. He learned to sail while in the service of the Portuguese from 1505-1513. When his prospects dried up in Portugal, he moved to Spain in 1517. He started over and made a name for himself with his father-in-law's connections. He won a commission from King Charles I of Spain to find a new sailing route to the Spice Islands.
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In the early 16th century, all of Europe was abuzz with the prospects of earning huge fortunes by trading with the Spice Islands, bringing back gold and silver from distant lands, and the possibility of adventure. At the time, finding routes to the Spice Islands was even more important than Columbus's discovery of the "New World." While Portugal controlled the route around Africa to the Spice Islands in Southeast Asia, Magellan theorized that there may be a shorter and more lucrative route through the South American continent.
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Magellan's Contract with king Charles I
Archivo general de Indias, PATRONATO,34,R.1
This contract shows Magellan's primary motivations were his personal beliefs and expectation of wealth. The Spanish Crown financed much of the expedition and expected a return on its investment. Magellan was promised numerous privileges as a reward for a successful voyage.
This contract shows Magellan's primary motivations were his personal beliefs and expectation of wealth. The Spanish Crown financed much of the expedition and expected a return on its investment. Magellan was promised numerous privileges as a reward for a successful voyage.