Who was the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe?

Ferdinand Magellan

The expedition of Ferdinand Magellan is famous for completing the first circumnavigation of the globe, a significant achievement although Magellan himself tragically perished in the Philippines. Launched with a fleet of five ships and about 270 men, this bold adventure concluded three years later with the return of only one ship and 18 survivors. This epic journey not only confirmed beyond doubt that the Earth is round, but it also revolutionized cartography and enhanced the global understanding of oceans and continents. These insights paved the way for future explorations, broadening the horizons of navigation and cultural interactions across the world.