As a fierce storm battered the ship, Ferdinand Magellan’s crew started to panic. Was the Portuguese explorer leading them to a watery grave? Magellan remained calm. He knew if his expedition found a new sea route to Asia from Europe, he’d be as famous as Christopher Columbus. But first he’d have to survive the trip!

In October 1520, Magellan’s bet paid off. He found the strait! But it turned out to be a terrifying maze through icy glaciers. When the ships emerged on the other side into a calm ocean, Magellan named it Mar Pacifico, or Pacific Ocean. Pacifico means “peaceful” in Portuguese.

The smooth sailing didn’t last. The ocean was much bigger than anyone had imagined. Soon, all the crew had to eat were wormy biscuits, rats, and sawdust. The men were relieved when they reached the islands now known as the Philippines. 

Magellan set about claiming islands for Spain, angering some natives. They killed Magellan, and his men fled. A few made it to the Spice Islands, where they loaded up on spices and headed home.

Three years after Magellan left Spain, only one of his ships returned, with just 18 men. Spain still called the trip a success—it now controlled the Spice Islands. Magellan’s expedition was also the first to circle the globe. And the path the explorer found through South America still bears his name—the Strait of Magellan.