Ferdinand Magellan is credited with being the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe. His expedition commenced in 1519 and lasted until 1522, despite Magellan not completing the entire journey himself, as he was killed in the Philippines in 1521. The expedition continues under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano, who successfully returned to Spain, completing the first known navigation of the entire globe. This landmark voyage demonstrated the vastness of the Earth, provided valuable information about global trade routes, and significantly influenced future exploration.