---
title: Map of the Magellan–Elcano Voyage, 1519–1522: The First Recorded Circumnavigation of the World
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21955/map-of-the-magellan-elcano-voyage-1519-1522/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2026-07-24
---
# Map of the Magellan–Elcano Voyage, 1519–1522: The First Recorded Circumnavigation of the World
_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21955.png)
## Image Caption
A map of the Magellan–Elcano expedition (1519–1522), a Spanish-sponsored maritime voyage authorized under Charles I of Spain (reign 1516–1556; later Holy [Roman Emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Emperor/) Charles V, reign 1519–1556) to find a westward route to the Spice Islands/Moluccas. Commanded first by [Ferdinand Magellan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ferdinand_Magellan/) (c. 1480–1521), the fleet departed Spain with five ships, crossed the Atlantic, explored the coast of South America, passed through the Strait of Magellan, and entered the Pacific Ocean. The voyage reached Guam and the Philippines, where Magellan was killed at Mactan in 1521.
After further losses, Juan Sebastián Elcano (c. 1476–1526) commanded the *Victoria* westward from the Moluccas across the Indian Ocean, around the Cape of Good Hope, and back to Spain in September 1522. Although only one ship and 18 survivors returned, the expedition completed the first recorded circumnavigation of the world. Its outcome transformed European geographic knowledge, confirmed the vast scale of the Pacific, intensified Iberian rivalry over global [trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/) routes, and connected Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean worlds within a single navigable framework.
#### Editorial Review
This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).
## About the Author
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)
## Cite This Work
### APA
Netchev, S. (2026, July 24). Map of the Magellan–Elcano Voyage, 1519–1522: The First Recorded Circumnavigation of the World. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Magellan–Elcano Voyage, 1519–1522: The First Recorded Circumnavigation of the World." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 24, 2026. .
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Magellan–Elcano Voyage, 1519–1522: The First Recorded Circumnavigation of the World." *World History Encyclopedia*, 24 Jul 2026, .
## License & Copyright
Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 24 July 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.