Ferdinand Magellan undertook a perilous journey for Spain to discover a western route to the Spice Islands, a group of islands near the Philippines, in September 1519. While the Portuguese-born Magellan died during the voyage, he made important discoveries.

Strait of Magellan

Magellan, in charge of five vessels, sailed westward from Spain and to the very south of what is now Argentina. He passed through a strait at the tip of South America that now bears his name---the Straits of Magellan.

Calmer Pacific

Magellan named the calmer waters he found on the west side of South America the "Pacific" Ocean. For the next 98 days, he sailed north along the coast of South America and then west, discovering two desert islands. Had Magellan sailed a few degrees either way he more than likely would have encountered the island now called Tahiti.

Around the Globe

Magellan reached the Spice Islands in the East Indies and ascertained correctly that by continuing west and then around the Cape of Good Hope, south of Africa, he could return to Spain.

Death

With the expedition reduced to just three ships, Magellan died on the island called Macatan near the Philippines on April 27, 1521, killed by the people who lived on the island. The expedition suffered more losses and in the end, just the ship commanded by Juan Sebastián del Cano returned to Spain, in September 1522.

Round Planet

Magellan's most important contribution was proving the Earth was indeed round and adding to humanity's knowledge of the vastness of the planet's oceans.

Source:

Robinson Library.com:Ferdinand Magellan

Finding NZ:Magellan