Had a goal of establishing a western route to Asian waters. In 1520, he ended up sailing through the strait of Magellan near the southern tip of South America. He went to Guam and then went to the Philippine Islands. He got into a local politics dispute there, where his own life and 40 of his crew member's lives were taken. A single ship with 18 men returned.

Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, is renowned for leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe. His journey was driven by the goal of establishing a western route to Asian waters, which was a significant objective for European explorers during the Age of Discovery.

Magellan's expedition began in 1519 with a fleet of five ships and approximately 270 men. The journey was fraught with challenges, including mutinies and the loss of ships. In 1520, the expedition reached the southern tip of South America, where Magellan navigated through a strait that would later bear his name, the Strait of Magellan. This strait provided a crucial passage to the Pacific Ocean, which Magellan named "Mar Pacifico" due to its calm waters.

After navigating through the strait, Magellan's fleet continued westward, reaching the islands of Guam and eventually the Philippine Islands in 1521. It was in the Philippines where Magellan's fate took a tragic turn. He became involved in local politics and a dispute with the ruler of the island of Mactan. During a battle, Magellan was killed, along with 40 of his crew members.

Despite the loss of Magellan and several ships, the expedition continued under the leadership of Juan Sebastián Elcano. Only one ship, the Victoria, with 18 men aboard, completed the circumnavigation and returned to Spain in 1522. This voyage was a significant achievement in maritime history, proving that the world could be circumnavigated and providing valuable knowledge about the Pacific Ocean and the geography of the world.

Understanding Magellan's expedition is crucial for comprehending the broader context of European exploration during the 16th century. It highlights the risks and challenges faced by explorers, the motivations behind their voyages, and the impact of these expeditions on global navigation and trade. Magellan's journey also underscores the complex interactions between European explorers and indigenous populations, as seen in the tragic events in the Philippines.

In summary, Ferdinand Magellan's expedition was a pivotal moment in the Age of Discovery, marking the first successful circumnavigation of the globe and significantly expanding European knowledge of the world's geography.