Question

Расскажите об экспедиции Магеллана и определите его значение для развития науки и торговли

Answer 1

Перше навколосвітнє плавання — іспанська морська експедиція під керівництвом Фернана Магеллана та — після його смерті — Хуана Себастьяна Елькано, почалася 20 вересня 1519 року і завершилася 6 вересня 1522 року. Експедиція була укомплектована великою командою (за різними оцінками 265—280 осіб) на 5 кораблях. У результаті заколотів, найтяжчого перетину Тихого океану і сутичок з населенням Філіппін і Островів прянощів команда сильно скоротилася

Отже, іспанці здійснили перше в історії навколосвітнє плавання, відкрили західний шлях до Азії і Островів Прянощів. Це перше в історії навколосвітнє плавання довело правильність гіпотези про кулястість Землі і неподільність океанів, що омивають сушу.

Answer 2

The Expedition of Magellan

The expedition of Magellan, also known as the Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation, was a historic voyage that took place between 1519 and 1522. Led by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, the expedition aimed to find a westward route to the Spice Islands (also known as the Moluccas) in the East Indies. The expedition consisted of five ships and approximately 270 men.

The Journey: The expedition set sail from Spain on September 20, 1519, and traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to South America. They navigated through the treacherous waters of the Strait of Magellan, named after Ferdinand Magellan, and became the first Europeans to cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. The journey continued westward across the Pacific, facing numerous challenges such as storms, scurvy, and lack of provisions.

After months of hardship, only one ship, the Victoria, and a small number of crew members managed to complete the circumnavigation. They arrived back in Spain on September 6, 1522, completing the first recorded circumnavigation of the Earth.

Significance for Science: The expedition of Magellan had significant implications for the development of science. Here are a few key points:

1. Geography and Cartography: The expedition contributed to the understanding of the Earth's geography and the accurate mapping of the world. The voyage helped to confirm the spherical shape of the Earth and provided valuable data for cartographers to create more accurate maps.

2. Astronomy and Navigation: During the journey, the crew observed celestial bodies, such as the stars, to determine their position and navigate across vast oceans. This contributed to advancements in astronomy and navigation techniques.

3. Ethnography and Anthropology: The expedition encountered various indigenous peoples during their journey, providing valuable insights into different cultures, customs, and languages. These observations contributed to the field of ethnography and anthropology.

Significance for Trade: The expedition of Magellan also had a significant impact on trade and commerce. Here are a few key points:

1. Spice Trade: The primary objective of the expedition was to find a westward route to the Spice Islands, which were known for their valuable spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The successful completion of the circumnavigation opened up new trade routes and expanded European access to the lucrative spice trade.

2. Global Trade Networks: The expedition helped to establish and expand global trade networks. The circumnavigation demonstrated the possibility of circumnavigating the globe, which encouraged further exploration and trade between Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

3. Colonial Expansion: The expedition of Magellan played a role in the European colonization of the Americas and the subsequent establishment of colonial empires. The knowledge gained from the expedition contributed to the European powers' understanding of the vastness of the world and the potential for territorial expansion.

In conclusion, the expedition of Magellan was a groundbreaking voyage that contributed to the development of science, particularly in the fields of geography, cartography, astronomy, navigation, ethnography, and anthropology. It also had a significant impact on trade and commerce, opening up new trade routes and expanding global trade networks. The expedition played a role in the European colonization of the Americas and the establishment of colonial empires.