Pacific Islands in the Voyage of Magellan and Elcano

Abstract

Islands had an important role in the first circumnavigation expedition undertaken by Magellan and Elcano. A global history that focuses on islands is necessary, one that no longer places island communities into the marginalized position they are assigned in alleged general histories. Meanwhile, the issue of the island must be approached individually. Islands have historically had features marked by their insularity, which is why, as subjects and objects of research within general historical processes, they sometimes require different interpretations. The Magellan expedition landed on a multitude of islands and sighted many others – we do not know exactly how many. An important fact to keep in mind is that the Capitulations between Magellan and Charles I stipulated that if Magellan discovered more than six islands, he had the right to keep two, act as their governor and enjoy the income from them. In addition, there were many instances of desertion among the expedition members who preferred to stay on those islands.

Keywords

• circumnavigation
• Pacific Ocean
• maritime history
• Ferdinand Magellan
• island studies