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

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering key historical figures, locations, terms, and events recorded in Antonio Pigafetta's account of Magellan's expedition in the Philippines.

Antonio Pigafetta

Italian chronicler who wrote 'The First Voyage Around the World (1519–1522)', detailing Ferdinand Magellan's expedition.

Ladrones Islands

Name given by Pigafetta to the 'Islands of the Thieves' (now known as the Marianas Islands) because the inhabitants took items from the fleet.

Isle of Zamal

The island, currently known as Samar, reached by Magellan's fleet ten days after departing from the Ladrones Islands.

Uraca

The native palm wine offered by the islanders to Magellan and his crew.

Umai

The native word for rice given as provisions to the European visitors.

Cocho

The fruit produced by palm trees, described as large as a head with a green outer husk for boat cords, a hard inner shell burned for powder, and a white marrow inside eaten fresh or made into bread.

Humunu Island

Island presently known as Homonhon where Pigafetta recorded finding the 'Watering Place of Good Signs' and the first signs of gold.

Archipelago of St. Lazarus

The name given by Magellan to Humunu Island and its surrounding nearby islands.

Ballanghai

A long boat full of people seen in Mazzava/Mazaua on March 25th, also spelled balangay.

Raia Siagu

The king of Mazzava/Mazaua who sent provisions in chinaware, exchanged gifts with Magellan, and participated in the first Mass.

Raia Calambu

King of Zuluan and Calagan (Butuan and Caragua) and brother of Raia Siagu, described as a handsome leader adorned with silk and gold accessories who guided Magellan's fleet to Cebu.

First Mass in the Philippines

An Easter Sunday Mass presided over by Magellan's chaplain on March 31st by the shore in Mazzava/Mazaua, attended by both Raia Siagu and Raia Calambu.

Don Charles

The Christian name given to the king of Cebu upon his baptism on April 14th, named after Emperor Charles.

Infant Jesus

An image made by Pigafetta and presented by Magellan to the queen of Cebu when she attended Mass.

Silapulapu

Chief of Matan (Mactan), also known as Lapulapu, who refused to obey the king of Cebu and resisted Magellan's forces.

Battle of Mactan

The conflict on April 26th where Magellan led 49 men against an estimated 1,500 islanders of Mactan, resulting in Magellan's death.

Duarte Barbosa

The individual elected as the new captain of the fleet by Magellan's surviving men after Magellan was killed.

Henry

Magellan's slave and interpreter who betrayed the surviving crew by conspiring with the king of Cebu.

Juan Serrano

A wounded survivor of the Cebu betrayal brought to the shore to beg the crew on the ships for ransom before being left behind as the fleet departed.