The first person to circumnavigate the globe was Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer. His expedition, which took place from 1519 to 1522, was significant as it provided the first extensive mapping and understanding of the world's oceans and continents. Although Magellan himself was killed in the Philippines during the voyage, his ships continued under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano to complete the journey. This historic trip highlighted the potential for global exploration, trade, and cultural exchange, significantly altering European views of the world.