Ferdinand Magellan is often credited as the first person to circumnavigate the Earth, though he did not complete the journey himself. Magellan embarked on the expedition in 1519 under Spanish sponsorship, intending to find a western route to the Spice Islands. He encountered significant challenges, including conflicts with indigenous peoples and difficult sailing conditions. Magellan was killed in the Philippines in 1521, but the expedition continued under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano. It ultimately returned to Spain in 1522, completing a comprehensive journey around the globe, which proved the roundness of the Earth and opened up new trade routes.