Juan Sebastian Elcano

MedievalExplorerSpain1476 — 1526

Completed the first circumnavigation after Magellan death.

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Quick Facts

Born

1476

Died

1526

Country

Spain

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Explorer

Score Overview

Military (10%)30

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)57

Legacy (20%)49

Leadership (15%)46

Strategy (15%)52

Total Score46.9

Juan Sebastian Elcano — Complete Timeline

1521 AD

Appointment as captain of the VictoriaPolitical Action◆ Major

Following Magellan's death at the Battle of Mactan, Elcano was elected by the surviving crew to command the Victoria. He made the decision to abandon the other ships and continue westward to Spain, rather than returning to the Moluccas.

Age of DiscoveryLeadershipCircumnavigation

Impact: global

1522 AD

Completion of the first circumnavigation of the EarthOther

After Magellan's death in the Philippines, Elcano took command of the Victoria and navigated it back to Spain via the Indian Ocean and around Africa. The ship arrived in Sanl

Age of DiscoveryCircumnavigationNavigation

Impact: globalconstructive

Royal pardon and reward for circumnavigationPolitical Action◆ Major

King Charles I of Spain granted Elcano a royal pardon for his earlier mutiny against Magellan. He was awarded a coat of arms featuring a globe with the motto 'Primus circumdedisti me' (You first encircled me) and an annual pension of 500 ducats.

Age of DiscoveryRoyal FavorCircumnavigation

Impact: nationalconstructive

1525 AD

Second expedition to the MoluccasOther

Elcano served as chief pilot of the Garc

Age of DiscoveryColonizationSpice Trade

Impact: regional

1526 AD

Death during the Loaísa expeditionOther◆ Major

Elcano died of scurvy in the Pacific Ocean on August 4, 1526, while attempting to cross the Pacific for the second time. His body was buried at sea. The expedition ultimately failed to reach the Moluccas with most ships lost.

DeathAge of DiscoveryScurvy

Impact: nationaltragic