FIRST VOYAGE AROUND THE WORLD: Antonio Pigafetta

Outline of the Presentation

Background of the Author
Historical Background of the Document
Content Presentation
Synthesis: Contributions of the Document in Understanding the Grand Narrative in Philippine History

Background of the Author

Antonio Pigafetta (1491 – c. 1534) was an Italian scholar and explorer born in Vicenza, Italy. He was the son of Giovanni Pigafetta and Angela Zoga. Pigafetta studied various subjects, including astronomy, geography, and cartography. In the early 16th century, he served aboard the ships of the Knights of Rhodes and participated in Ferdinand Magellan's expedition as one of the sobresalientes, or supernumeraries, who joined out of adventure or familial connections. Due to not being required for manual labor on the ship, he had ample time to keep a journal of the voyage, which later became a critical resource for understanding the expedition.

Pigafetta was among the 18 men who survived and returned to Spain on September 6, 1522, after a grueling three-year voyage that completed the first circumnavigation of the globe, led after Magellan's death by Juan Sebastian Elcano.

Historical Background of the Document

The historical context for Pigafetta's account begins with the fall of Constantinople in 1453, which allowed Muslim traders to control key commercial routes to the East. This situation intensified the desires of European monarchs and merchants to seek direct access to valuable oriental products such as silk, porcelain, and spices. Spices, in particular, surged in demand due to their ability to preserve food and their emerging medicinal uses, prompting European merchants to aspire to monopolize their trade.

Asian goods reached Europe via complicated routes that were often disrupted by conflicts and natural disasters. As a response, Portuguese explorers, led by figures like Prince Henry the Navigator, established oceanic routes to the Spice Islands of Southeast Asia, bypassing land-based challenges.

The rivalry between Spain and Portugal over sea exploration for dominance in the spice trade spurred the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan, initially financed by King Charles V of Spain after Portugal refused to support Magellan's plans. The expedition launched from Sanlucar de Barrameda on August 20, 1519, with a diverse crew of over two hundred men, including Pigafetta.

Content Presentation: Highlights from First Voyage Around the World

Important Personages Cited in the Document

Ferdinand Magellan - Captain-general of the expedition
Antonio Pigafetta - Official chronicler
Raia Colambu - King of Limasawa
Raia Siaui - King of Butuan
Raia Humabon - King of Cebu
Raia Cilapulapu - Chief of Mactan

Chronology of Dates

The chronology of significant events during the voyage is essential to understanding their interactions with the Philippine islands:

March 16, 1521: Arrival at Zamal (Samar).
March 17, 1521: Naming of Humunu (Homonhon) as "Acquada da li buoni Segnialli" (Watering-place of Good Signs).
March 18, 1521: Meeting and exchange of goods with local ancestors from Zuluan.
March 25, 1521: Anchor and change of course towards the west-southwest.
March 28, 1521: Arrival at Mazaua (Limasawa) and meeting with the king.
March 31, 1521: Easter Mass and erection of a cross.
April 14, 1521: Baptism of locals from Cebu.
April 27, 1521: Engagement in battle with chief Cilapulapu, leading to Magellan's death.

Cultural Milieu

Pigafetta provides a vivid description of the social and cultural practices of the ancestors he encountered:

Social Hierarchy: Seigniors (chiefs) dressed elaborately, with tattoos, gold earrings, and were engaged in customs of gratitude, friendship, and marriage practices.
Trade and Festivities: Customs regarding tributes from incoming ships; heavy drinking and lengthy meals were prevalent.
Entertainment: Musical instruments were common, alongside dances and ceremonies honoring their gods.
Food and Living Conditions: Their diet included rice, meat, fish, and they consumed arrack, a type of palm wine. Their dwellings were elevated and structured from local materials.

Contributions of the Document in Understanding the Grand Narrative in Philippine History

In the Philippines

The document is a crucial resource for understanding the early stages of colonization in the Visayan islands. It outlines the social, economic, cultural, and religious dynamics among early Filipinos, describing their customs, attire, and physical attributes. Furthermore, Pigafetta's records detail the introduction of Christianity, particularly the First Mass and local conversions, highlighting Rajah Humabon and his wife.

Additionally, it depicts the initial reactions of locals to Spanish presence and conflicts, notably with Lapu-Lapu, recognized as the first Filipino leader to resist Spanish colonization successfully.

In World History

Pigafetta’s journal transcends Philippine history, offering insights vital to global context. It documented the events of the Magellan-Elcano voyage and affirmed the earth's spheroidal shape, refuting the flat-earth notion and introducing the Pacific Ocean. This expedition displayed that alternative routes existed for access to spice trade, contributing significantly to European exploration and ambitions toward the East.

Ultimately, Pigafetta’s account provided foundational insights for understanding the intricate dynamics involved in the first circumnavigation of the globe, influencing later explorations and the socio-political landscape of the 16th century.

Understanding Antonio Pigafetta's First Voyage Around the World

Understanding Antonio Pigafetta's First Voyage Around the World