Ferdinand Magellan is credited as the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe. Although he did not complete the journey himself, having been killed in the Philippines during the voyage in 1521, his expedition, which began in 1519, ultimately achieved this monumental feat. The journey was significant as it demonstrated the vastness of the Earth and the potential for global trade and exploration. The remaining crew continued under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano, completing the voyage back to Spain in 1522, marking a significant milestone in maritime history and exploration.