The First Voyage Around the World By: Antonio Pigafetta
Antonio Pigafetta Ferdinand Magellan
At the end of the lesson, students will be able to; Understand the Importance of First Voyage Around the World; Learn Ferdinand Magellan’s Journey; Contribution of the Authour; Explain the Significance of Circumnavigation of the World; and Importance of History to the Present Time. Lesson Objectives:
Background of the Author/Creator 1 Background of the Document/Primary Source 2 Content Analysis 3 Contribution and Relevance of the Primary Source 4 5 Relevance of the Documents to the Present Time
Background of the Author/Creator
01 Antonio Pigafetta was born around 1491 in Vicenza, Italy, into a noble family. He joined Ferdinand Magellan's expedition His travelogue remains a vital reference for historians studying the voyage. After Magellan's death, Pigafetta continued the journey and recorded critical encounters .
Background of the Document/Primary Source
The inaugural circumnavigation of the world at the starting point of the 16th century followed a path known as the voyage of Magellan. This route was organized and led by Ferdinand Magellan, one of the most notable explorers and sailors in history. 02
On March 16, 1521, Magellan and his crew arrived on the ship Victoria in the Philippines, also known as the island of Ladroni . The first place they arrived to was Zama (Samar). The native Filipinos welcomed the foreigners with open arms, and as Pigafetta describes, "they exhibited great signs of pleasure at seeing us." He succeeded in his plan to influence the faith of people in the island he conquered, including ours. 02
Content Analysis of the Important Historical Information found in the Document
Understanding the historical information Identify and describe the customs and traditions mentioned in the document that have: Socio-Cultural Significance 01 02 03 03 Economic Significance Political Significance
Socio-Cultural Significance Pigafetta's thorough account of the Visayans physical appearance, as well as their attitude and traditions, reflects our Visayas ancestors' early life. Magellan also introduced our ancestors to Christianity during the expedition. 03
Political Significance Throughout the pre-colonial period of the Philippines, notably in Visayas, island had Monarchy as a system of governance administered by members of a royal family or dynasty. According to the text, each island was headed by a king or chief who was commonly referred to as raia or raja. Some of the kings are accompanied by men as written during the encounters they had with Magellan and his crew. 03
Economic Significance The barter system was demonstrated; both parties exchanging goods for something that they wanted or needed. Moreover, there was also purchasing in the voyagers' part, as it was written in this journal that they bought some items, usually food, from the early Filipinos. It was also noted in this account showed that Filipinos wear clothing crafted from trees to conceal their natural parts, they utilize stone and metal tools for daily living. and they are wealthy in gold.
Bias Eurocentric Perspective: Pigafetta , as a European, viewed the world through a lens of European superiority. He often described indigenous cultures as "barbaric" or "savage," reflecting the prevailing ethnocentric attitudes of the time. Emphasis on Spanish Glory: The narrative frequently emphasizes the achievements and triumphs of the Spanish expedition, downplaying the hardships and losses faced by the crew. Limited Indigenous Voices: While Pigafetta attempted to describe the cultures he encountered, his perspective remains that of an outsider, offering limited insight into the indigenous viewpoints and experiences.
Contribution and Relevance of the Primary Source in Understanding the Grand Narrative of Philippine and History
04 Economic Motives, Religion, Political Ambition, and Scientific Curiousity are one of the causes of Magellan’s Expedition . Economic Motives: The primary driver was to find a westward sea route to the Spice Islands (Maluku Islands) in Indonesia, bypassing the Portuguese monopoly on the lucrative spice trade with Asia. The expedition also aimed to discover new lands rich in gold and silver to increase Spanish wealth and power. Religion: The Spanish Crown and the Catholic Church were eager to spread Christianity to newly discovered lands and convert indigenous populations.
04 Political Ambition: Spain sought to expand its global influence and establish dominance in maritime trade routes. The expedition aimed to challenge Portuguese dominance in the East Indies and assert Spanish imperial power. Scientific Curiousity : Geographical Exploration: There was a strong desire to expand geographical knowledge, map new territories, and prove the Earth was spherical.