The first voyage round the world

Magellan lived from 1480 till 1521. The first voyage round the world was made by him over 400 years ago. He thought that by going west he could travel by sea round the world and come to the same place again.

In those early days many people in Europe were interested in India. They knew it was a very rich country whose culture was older than theirs. Magellan wanted to find a new way to India. His country, Portugal, did not help him, but he got money, ships, and all things necessary for the voyage from Spain.

At last the great day came and the voyage began. That was in September of 1519. Some people thought that nothing would come of it, that Magellan and his men would get lost and never come home again; others were sure that the whole thing would be a success. Who would be right, it was difficult to say at the moment. Magellan belonged to those who stop at nothing and always do their best to get what they want.

One day, after a voyage of many months, Magellan's crew saw land. It turned out to be South America. As the travellers were badly in need of food and water, Magellan decided to stop there. With some of his sailors he went to see what the country was like. They were soon met by a crowd of men and women, who looked quite different from them.

These people were dark and had neither shoes, nor clothes. They soon made friends. They could not speak, of course, but understood one another well enough. Then these people went off, but soon returned, bringing with them many different things to eat. In his turn Magellan and his men gave them things which were not dear but looked beautiful. Everyone was well pleased.

Magellan did not stay long in South America: he was in a hurry to get to India. This voyage was long and difficult. Islands were few and far between, and the travellers were often in need of food and water. Many of them fell ill, but at last, after many months of travelling, they reached the Philippine Islands. People used to get to India going east, while Magellan wanted to get there by travelling west.

In the Philippine Islands Magellan and his men were well met by the people. They stayed there for some time and took part in a war between two different peoples of the islands. Magellan was killed in this war.

Of Magellan's five ships which started for India in 1519 only one returned three years later, after making the first voyage round the world.

Ex. 15. Discussion points:

1. The main stages of the development of water transport.

2. The main kinds of water transport and their applications.

3. Advantages and disadvantages of water transport.