Which explorer led the first successful expedition to sail around the world in the early 1500s?

Ferdinand Magellan is recognized for leading the first successful expedition to sail around the world, which was a monumental achievement in the age of exploration during the early 1500s. This expedition, which began in 1519 and concluded in 1522, provided significant evidence of the size of the Earth and demonstrated the vastness of the oceans, as well as the interconnectedness of the world’s continents and waters.

Magellan's journey was crucial for several reasons. He sought a westward route to the Spice Islands, which was a significant goal for European powers eager to access the lucrative spice trade. Although Magellan himself did not complete the journey—having been killed in the Philippines during the expedition—his fleet, under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano, successfully returned to Spain, thus completing the first circumnavigation of the Earth.

This expedition greatly expanded European knowledge of geography and laid the groundwork for future exploration and maritime navigation. The success of Magellan's voyage helped to establish Spain as a dominant maritime power in the 16th century and catalyzed more explorative endeavors.

In contrast, the other explorers mentioned did not achieve this specific milestone. Christopher Columbus is known for his voyages that opened the Americas to European exploration, but