History 1

INTRODUCTION

  • The First Voyage Around the World by Antonio Pigafetta

    • An essential primary source for world and Philippine history.

    • Chronicles Ferdinand Magellan's global expedition from 1519 to 1522.

    • Pigafetta documents not only navigation and challenges but also:

    • People, lands, and cultures encountered.

    • Key interactions in the Philippines that influenced early Spanish contact with the archipelago.

BACKGROUND OF ANTONIO PIGAFETTA

  • Also known as Antonio Lombardo or Francisco Antonio Pigafetta.

  • Birth and Death:

    • Born around 1491 in Vicenza, Republic of Venice (modern Italy).

    • Died in 1531 in Vicenza.

  • Parents:

    • Gionvanni Pigafetta (father)

    • Angela Zoga (mother)

  • Siblings:

    • Eldest child among 2 siblings.

IMPORTANCE OF PIGAFETTA'S TRAVELOGUE

  • Considered one of the most significant primary sources in studying precolonial Philippines.

  • Major referent for key events such as:

    • Magellan's arrival in the Philippines.

    • Encounters with local leaders.

    • Magellan's death at the hands of Lapu Lapu's forces in the Battle of Mactan.

    • Departure of the remaining fleet from the Islands.

BACKGROUND OF FERDINAND MAGELLAN

  • Birth and Death:

    • Born on February 3, 1480, in Sabrosa, Portugal.

    • Died on April 15, 1521.

  • Parents:

    • Rodrigo de Magalhes (father)

    • Alda de Mesquita (mother)

  • Career and Achievements:

    • A Portuguese explorer who organized the Spanish expedition to the East Indies from 1519 to 1522.

    • Sought a western route to the Maluku Islands (Spice Islands).

    • His expedition resulted in the first circumnavigation of the earth, completed by Juan Sebastian Elcano.

EXPEDITION DETAILS

  • In 1519, under Spanish command, Magellan set out from Spain with a fleet of five ships.

  • Aimed to sail around the southern tip of South America, despite the uncertainty of such a route.

  • Intended to cross the Pacific Ocean to the lucrative Spice Islands, concluding the journey by returning to Spain.

THE FIVE SHIPS USED IN THE NAVIGATION

  1. Trinidad

    • Weight: 110 tons

    • Crew: 55

    • Captain: Ferdinand Magellan

  2. San Antonio

    • Weight: 120 tons

    • Crew: 60

    • Captain: Juan de Cartagena

  3. Conception

    • Weight: 90 tons

    • Crew: 45

  4. Victoria

    • Weight: 85 tons

    • Crew: 42

  5. Santiago

    • Weight: 75 tons

    • Crew: 32

    • Captain: Gaspar de Queseda (initially Luiz Mendoza and Jao Serrao)

EARLY STOPS OF THE EXPEDITION

  1. LADRONES ISLANDS (ISLANDS OF THE THIEVES)

    • Reached, as per Pigafetta:

      • No arms among locals; use sticks with fish bone at the end.

      • Described locals as poor, ingenious, and thieves.

  2. ISLE OF ZAMAL (SAMAR)

    • Ten days after the Ladrones Islands, reached Zamal.

    • On March 18, local men showed joy in seeing them.

    • Magellan welcomed them with food, drinks, and gifts.

  3. HUMUNU ISLAND (HOMONHON)

    • Named “Watering Place of Good Signs” due to first gold signs found.

    • Nearby islands named the archipelago of St. Lazarus.

    • Left the island on March 25; saw two balanghai (long boats) full of people in Mazzava/Mazaua.

BUTUAN AND CARAGUA (MARCH 31, 1521)

  • Raia Calambu, king of Zaluan and Calagan, introduced to Magellan by King Raia Siagu.

  • On Easter Sunday, March 31, Magellan ordered a mass by the shore.

  • The king sent two dead pigs and attended the mass alongside other kings, participating by kissing the cross but offering nothing.

CEYLON (LEYTE), BOHOL, ZZUBU (CEBU)

  • Seven days post-mass, Magellan searched for islands to acquire supplies.

  • April 7, 1521: Reached Cebu port.

  • April 8, 1521: King of Cebu offered a bit of his blood and asked Magellan to reciprocate as a sign of affection.

  • The next day, Magellan preached about peace and God, successfully convincing locals to voluntarily convert to Christianity.

  • April 14, 1521: Magellan encouraged King Cebu to destroy idols and embrace the cross, resulting in the king's baptism and the baptism of all island inhabitants within eight days.

THE BATTLE OF MACTAN (APRIL 26, 1521)

  • Zula, a chief from Mactan, sought Magellan's help to fight chief Silapulapu.

  • Magellan’s forces numbered 49 against approximately 1500 islanders.

  • The battle began; Magellan was directly targeted and met with severe injuries, ultimately leading to his death.

  • Following Magellan's injury, many attacked him, seeing the captain general falter.

AFTERMATH OF THE BATTLE

  • New Leadership: Magellan's men elected Duarte Barbosa as the new captain.

  • The Betrayal: Magellan's slave and interpreter, Henry, betrayed them, leading to further losses.

  • Almost all crew members were slain, except for the interpreter and wounded Juan Serrano, who attempted to negotiate for ransom.

  • Ultimately, the fleet abandoned Serrano and left Cebu, continuing their journey around the world.

IMPORTANCE OF PIGAFETTA'S CHRONICLES

  • Pigafetta’s chronicles are among the most cited documents by historians studying the precolonial Philippines.

  • Considered one of the earliest written accounts, Pigafetta is viewed as a credible source for a previously unchronicled period.

  • His work holds significant importance in the study and writing of Philippine history, capturing crucial details of early Spanish encounters and local cultures.