How did Ferdinand Magellan crush his crews violent rebellion? What were the navigating skills needed to cross unknown oceans? Was Magellan really the first person to sail completely around the world? Nearly 500 years ago, Spain and Portugal fought fiercely for ocean supremacy and control of rich trading routes between Europe and Southeast Asia. Portuguese captain Ferdinand Magellan set out in the service of Spain to find a new route to the east--and sailed into history. Read about Magellans battles with mountainous waves, howling winds, angry crews, and killer diseases such as scurvy. Learn about the fabulous riches of the spice trade, how Magellan became involved in local warfare, and how, on a beautiful tropical island, he was stabbed and hacked to death.