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Na m e : ___ Date: _
Directions: Read about Magellan’s attempt to be the first to sail around the world. Look for
four key events in the story—one for each year. Then write them in order on the
waves below. When you are done, you’ll have a “picture” of Magellan’s voyage.Reading Comprehension • Saddleback Educational Publishing ©2002 3 Watson, Irvine, CA 92618•Phone (888)SDL-BACK•www.sdlback.com
‘Round the World
On September 20, 1519, a fleet of five vessels was outfitted and ready to leave Spain.
Their commander, Ferdinand Magellan, was familiar with the waters of the Atlantic as
far south as the equator. The plan was to find a passage through the continent of South
America. For months he searched along the east coast without success.
In August, Magellan sent out two ships to scout a wide inlet. Upon their return they
reported seeing a large bay beyond. Magellan navigated through the straight, which
was perilous. Undaunted, he pressed on. After 38 grueling days, Magellan reached a
great ocean. He named it the Pacific because it looked so peaceful.
Although Magellan greatly underestimated the size of the Pacific, he continued sailing
westward. Supplies ran out and many of the crew perished. Still, Magellan made it as
far as the Philippines, where he died in a battle on April 27, 1521.
Magellan is given credit for being the first person to circumnavigate the world because,
though he didn’t complete the voyage, he did reach a point further west than he had
previously reached sailing east.
Almost three years to the day after the fleet set sail, one lone ship, Victoria, made it back
to Spain where they had originally set out.1519:1520:1521:1522: