The First Voyage Around the World

In 1519, five ships left Spain under Ferdinand Magellan in search of a westward route to the fabled Spice Islands.

Three years later, only one returned — commanded by Juan Sebastián Elcano — having completed the first voyage around the globe.

This Heroes & Legends Documentary Channel feature tells the full story of this astonishing expedition: a tale of courage, discovery, and endurance that changed the course of human history.

It is the story of the men who proved the world could be circumnavigated — and the price they paid to do it.

⚓ In this feature you’ll discover:
• How Magellan’s dream led him to sail under the Spanish flag
• The politics, rivalries, and ambitions behind the voyage
• The Pacific crossing — 100 days of starvation and survival
• Mutiny, faith, and the first meeting of distant civilisations
• How Elcano and a handful of survivors completed the impossible

💫 If you’re just a little bit curious… then join us, as we dive into the life and times of Magellan, Elcano, and the voyage that connected the world for the first time.

🏛️ Educational / Reviewer Disclaimer
This documentary presents verified historical research for educational and cultural understanding.
All depictions of conflict or hardship are factual but non-graphic, intended solely to illustrate the challenges of 16th-century exploration.
The Heroes & Legends Documentary Channel promotes historical literacy, critical thought, and cross-cultural appreciation.

All visual and audio materials are used under “fair use” for scholarship, commentary, and education.