Ferdinand Magellan led the first successful voyage around the world, which began in 1519 and concluded in 1522. Although Magellan did not survive the entire journey—he was killed in the Philippines in 1521—his expedition ultimately proved that the Earth could be circumnavigated by sea. The fleet sailed westward across the Atlantic, reaching the Pacific Ocean and later returning to Spain via the Indian Ocean. This monumental voyage substantially expanded European understanding of global geography, established new trade routes, and impacted subsequent explorations and maritime navigation.