Analyzing Primary Sources in Philippine History: Antonio Pigafetta's Account

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, historical figures, locations, and events from Antonio Pigafetta's account of Magellan's expedition.

Antonio Pigafetta

The Italian chronicler who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan's expedition and authored 'The First Voyage Around the World (1519–1522)'.

Ladrones Islands

The name given by Pigafetta to the Marianas Islands, meaning 'Islands of the Thieves,' because the inhabitants took items from the ships using sticks tipped with fish bones.

Isle of Zamal

The island reached by Magellan's expedition ten days after leaving the Ladrones Islands, currently known as Samar.

Uraca

The local term recorded by Pigafetta for palm wine, offered by the islanders to Magellan's crew upon arrival.

Cocho

The term used by Pigafetta to describe the fruit of the palm tree (coconut), which supplied edible white marrow, oil, powder from the inner shell, and fiber for boat cords.

Umai

The native term recorded by Pigafetta for rice, provided by local inhabitants to resupply Magellan's crew.

Humunu Island

Present-day Homonhon Island, where Magellan's crew rested and discovered the 'Watering Place of Good Signs' along with the first indications of gold.

Archipelago of St. Lazarus

The name given by Magellan to Humunu Island and its surrounding island cluster upon landing there in March 1521.

Ballanghai (Balangay)

A traditional long boat full of people, first spotted by Pigafetta's fleet near Mazzava/Mazaua on March 25th.

Raia Siagu

The king of Mazzava/Mazaua who welcomed Magellan, exchanged provisions in chinaware, and participated in the first Catholic Mass.

Raia Calambu

The king of Zuluan and Calagan (Butuan and Caragua) and brother of Raia Siagu, described by Pigafetta as the most handsome man in the region, adorned with gold accessories.

First Mass in the Philippines

The religious service conducted on Easter Sunday, March 31st, by the shore of Mazzava, attended and revered by both Raia Siagu and Raia Calambu.

Magellan's Cross

A wooden cross planted on a hill after the first Mass, serving as a sign of the Spanish emperor to protect the locals from future Spanish aggression.

Zzubu

Present-day Cebu, reached by Magellan on April 7, 1521, described as the largest and richest island in the area.

Blood Compact (Cebu)

A ritual of friendship performed between Magellan and the king of Cebu, where both parties exchanged blood drawn from their right arms.

Don Charles (Carlos)

The Christian name given to the king of Cebu upon his baptism on April 14, 1521, named in honor of Emperor Charles V.

Don Fernand (Fernando)

The Christian name given to the prince of Cebu during the mass baptisms, named after the brother of Emperor Charles V.

Jehan

The Christian name bestowed upon the King of Mazavva when he was baptized alongside the leaders of Cebu.

Image of the Infant Jesus (Santo Niño)

A small statue crafted by Antonio Pigafetta and presented by Magellan to the newly baptized Queen of Cebu.

Silapulapu (Lapulapu)

A chief of Matan (Mactan) who refused to submit to the king of Cebu or obey Magellan, leading to conflict with the Spanish expedition.

Zula

A principal chief from Matan (Mactan) who requested Magellan's assistance with a boat of armed men to fight against Silapulapu.

Battle of Mactan

The military encounter on April 26, 1521, where 49 Spanish soldiers led by Magellan were defeated by approximately 1,500 Mactan warriors, resulting in Magellan's death.

Duarte Barbosa

The commander elected by the surviving crew to serve as the new captain of the expedition after Magellan was killed in Mactan.

Henry

Magellan's slave and interpreter who betrayed the Spanish survivors by conspiring with the king of Cebu to ambush them at a banquet.

Juan Serrano

A wounded Spanish captain left behind and abandoned on the shore of Cebu after the surviving crew refused to send ransom following Henry's betrayal.