Ferdinand Magellan was born in 1480 in Portugal.  His parents died when he was ten years old.  When he was twelve, he was assigned the job of being the Queen's messenger in the Royal Court.  At the Court, he learned about many explorers and information about navigating ships.

 

 

In 1511, he sailed for Portugal with Franciso De Almedia to conquer Melaka.  After they conquered Melaka, they went to the Spice Islands and claimed them as their own territory.   Ferdinand's friend Franciso Serrao went on a voyage to the island of Ternate and sent letters to Ferdinand telling him about his voyage.