A modest monthly salary of 1,000 maravedis secured Antonio Pigafetta a position on the flagship Trinidad as part of Ferdinand Magellan’s 1519 expedition to the Spice Islands. As a supernumerary, he maintained a diligent daily record of the voyage, ultimately becoming one of only 18 men from the original crew of 240 to complete the first circumnavigation of the globe.
Early Career and Diplomatic Service
Born in Vicenza to Giovanni Pigafetta and Lucia, daughter of Marco Muzan, Antonio entered the service of the papal ambassador Francesco Chiericati. He traveled within Chiericati’s retinue to Zaragoza and Barcelona in 1518. During this time, he learned of Magellan’s plan to seek a western route to the Spice Islands. Pigafetta successfully petitioned for approval to join the venture, presenting letters of introduction to secure his place.
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Assigned as a servant to the captain, Pigafetta occupied his time documenting geography, climate, and natural history. He provided meticulous notes on the customs and languages of the native inhabitants encountered during the voyage. Although his observations were generally accurate, he frequently documented implausible tales told by locals. He was wounded during the 1521 Battle of Mactan in the Philippine Islands, which resulted in the death of Magellan.
Documentation and Legacy
Following the return of the Victoria to Sanlúcar de Barrameda in 1522, commanded by Juan Sebastián Elcano, Pigafetta composed his account of the expedition. His report, originally written in Italian, includes maps and is noted for being the first to apply the name Oceano Pacifico. After the voyage, he obtained membership in the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, an honor that aligned with his earlier life in service.
Fast facts
- Born: 1490, Vicenza
- Died: 1530, Vicenza
- Citizenship: Republic of Venice
- Role: Chronicler of the first circumnavigation
- Expedition start: May 1519, Seville
- Expedition return: September 1522, Sanlúcar de Barrameda
- Affiliation: Sovereign Military Order of Malta
- Languages: Italian
Questions readers ask
What was Pigafetta's primary contribution to the Magellan expedition?
He served as the voyage's chronicler, keeping a daily record of observations that remains a primary source for the event.
How many men survived the first circumnavigation?
Of the approximately 240 men who departed in 1519, only 18 returned to Spain in 1522.
Achievements
- Sovereign Military Order of Malta
- Recorded as explorer, writer and seafarer
