Ferdinand Magellan led the first successful expedition to circumnavigate the globe in the early 16th century from 1519 to 1522. His journey sought a westward route to the Spice Islands in Indonesia, which was vital for European trade. Magellan's fleet, despite facing significant challenges such as harsh weather, navigational difficulties, and conflicts, ultimately demonstrated the vastness of the Earth and provided invaluable information about global geography. Although Magellan himself was killed in the Philippines in 1521, his expedition successfully continued under Juan Sebastián Elcano, returning to Spain with only one ship remaining, the Victoria.