<div class="image-200">
<a href="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/ferdinand_magellan.webp" rel="lightbox" title="Ferdinand Magellan">
<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/ferdinand_magellan.webp" class="image_200 ui-corner-all" alt="Ferdinand Magellan after a painting by Velasquez" /> 
</a>
<div>
(Ferdinand Magellan after a painting by Velasquez.)
</div>
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<h3>
Background
</h3>
<p>
Magellan, under the Spanish crown, embarked on a mission to circumnavigate the globe, seeking a western route to the Spice Islands. Arriving in the Philippines in March 1521, he forged alliances with local leaders, notably <a href="https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/2894/rajah-humabon-king-of-cebu-in-the-16th-century" class="news_link">Rajah Humabon</a> of Cebu, who converted to Christianity. However, tensions arose when Magellan sought to extend Spanish influence over Mactan, where Lapu-Lapu, a fierce and independent datu, refused to submit.
</p>
<p>
Determined to assert dominance, Magellan led a small force of around 60 men, including Spanish soldiers and Cebuano allies, to Mactan. Despite warnings from his allies about Lapu-Lapu's strength, Magellan underestimated the resistance, believing his firearms and armor would secure a swift victory.
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<h3>
The Battle of Mactan
</h3>
<p>
On the morning of April 27, Magellan's men waded through shallow waters to reach Mactan's shore, where Lapu-Lapu's warriors - estimated at 1,500 strong - awaited. The terrain favored the defenders, with Magellan's cannons rendered ineffective due to the distance from their ships. Lapu-Lapu's forces, armed with spears, bows, and kampilan swords, overwhelmed the invaders with superior numbers and tactical advantage.
Magellan, clad in armor, fought valiantly but was struck by a poisoned arrow in the leg. As his men retreated, he was surrounded and killed by a barrage of blows. The chronicler <a href="https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/2798/antonio-pigafetta-magellans-assistant-and-chronicler" class="news_link">Antonio Pigafetta</a>, who survived the battle, documented Magellan's fall, noting his courage even as hope faded. The defeat was a humbling blow to the Spanish expedition, with several men killed or wounded.
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April 27, 1521: Ferdinand Magellan was killed by warriors of Lapu-Lapu