The first explorer to circumnavigate the globe during the 16th century was Ferdinand Magellan. His expedition, which began in 1519 and concluded in 1522, provided the first comprehensive view of the Earth’s geography. Although Magellan himself was killed in the Philippines, his fleet continued on, accomplishing the historic voyage. This monumental journey helped to prove the roundness of the Earth and played a critical role in expanding European knowledge of world trade and navigation routes.