AFTERMATH of the battle

Challenges on Spaniards after Magellan’s demise

After Ferdinand Magellan's death during the expedition, his crew faced several challenges. Here
are some of the notable ones:
1. Death of Magellan: Magellan was killed during the battle, which had a profound impact on
the expedition. His death left the remaining crew without their experienced leader and caused
a leadership crisis.
2. Battles with Indigenous Peoples: Magellan's death declared the end of peaceful relations
with the natives. The remaining crew encountered resistance and hostilities from indigenous
peoples during their journey. They faced battles and skirmishes in various locations, including
encounters with local warriors in the Philippines.
3. Leadership Crisis: With Magellan gone, there was a leadership vacuum, and conflicts arose
among the remaining commanders regarding who should take charge. Eventually, Juan
Sebastián Elcano assumed command and became the leader of the expedition.
4. Abandonment of the Concepción: The surviving crew, led by Elcano, decided to abandon
one of the remaining ships, the Concepción. The decision was made due to a lack of manpower
and resources to manage all the vessels.
5.Scarcity of Supplies: The remaining ships, Trinidad and Victoria, faced scarcity of provisions
and supplies. They had to ration their food and water, and the crew suffered from hunger and
disease.
6.Portugese captured the Flagship: The Trinidad, one of the ships from Ferdinand Magellan's
expedition, was captured by the Portuguese in 1522. This happened after the surviving crew
members completed their circumnavigation of the globe and arrived in the Philippines. While in
the Philippines, the crew of the Trinidad, led by Juan Sebastián Elcano, engaged in trade and
skirmishes with local communities. Eventually, the Portuguese, who had a presence in the
region, captured the Trinidad.
7.Navigation and Exploration: The crew had to navigate unfamiliar waters and chart new
courses without the assistance and guidance of their original leader, Magellan. They had to rely
on their navigational skills and make decisions in uncharted territories.

The Completion of the Circumnavigation: Out of the original crew members who set out on
Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, only about 18 to 20 men successfully completed the
circumnavigation of the globe. These crew members were part of the ship Victoria, which was
commanded by Juan Sebastián Elcano. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the Victoria
returned to Spain in 1522, becoming the first ship to complete a circumnavigation of the
Earth,marking a historic achievement in maritime exploration.

Legacy and Historical Significance of The Battle of Mactan

1. Death of Ferdinand Magellan: The battle resulted in the death of Ferdinand Magellan, who
was a Portuguese explorer commissioned by the Spanish crown. His death marked a major loss
for the expedition but also highlighted the risks and challenges faced during early exploration.
2. Resistance against European colonization: The Battle of Mactan is often celebrated in the
Philippines as an example of resistance against foreign colonization. The victory of Lapu-Lapu,
the indigenous chieftain who led the Mactan warriors, is seen as a symbol of Filipino resistance
and the preservation of their culture and independence. It showed how the Filipinos fought
fearlessly against the foreign invaders who conquered the country.
3. Delayed Spanish Colonization: The defeat of Magellan at Mactan delayed Spanish
colonization efforts in the Philippines. After Magellan's death, the Spanish temporarily
abandoned their plans to establish a stronghold in the region, only returning several decades
later to successfully colonize the archipelago.
4. Impact on European exploration: Magellan's expedition and the Battle of Mactan
demonstrated the dangers and complexities of navigating and establishing control over
unfamiliar territories. It contributed to European knowledge about the vastness of the Pacific
Ocean and the need to find alternative routes to the Spice Islands.
5. The Battle of Mactan became an inspiration to many forms of art

6.Influence on Philippine History and Identity: The Battle of Mactan is considered a significant
event in Philippine history. It is celebrated as a symbol of bravery, resistance, and national
pride. Lapu-Lapu, the indigenous chieftain who led the defense, is revered as a hero and a
symbol of Filipino independence. Every year on April 27, the Battle of Mactan is commemorated
to honor the bravery and triumph of the first Filipino hero.