CONTENT AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF A HISTORICAL SOURCE

TRAVELOGUE Antonio Pigafetta's First Voyage Around the World

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 PRE-READING ACTIVITY

1. Background of the Author

Antonio Pigafetta (c. 1491 – c. 1531) was a Venetian scholar and explorer. He was the
eldest son of Giovanni Pigafetta and Angela Zoga. He was also known as Antonio Lombardo or
Francisco Antonio Pigafetta. He is best known for being the author of the eyewitness account of
Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, the first circumnavigation of the world. Pigafetta was born into
a wealthy family in Vicenza, Italy. He received a classical education and studied navigation,
cartography, and astronomy. He also spoke several languages, including Italian, Spanish,
Portuguese, and French.

In 1519, Pigafetta joined Magellan's expedition to the Spice Islands. He served as

Magellan's assistant and chronicler of the voyage. Pigafetta kept a detailed diary of the voyage,
in which he recorded the day-to-day events, the people and places they encountered, and the
flora and fauna they observed. Pigafetta's diary was published in 1525 under the title Primo
Vaggio Intorno al Mondo (First Voyage around the World). It is a valuable historical document
that provides a firsthand account of Magellan's expedition and the first circumnavigation of the
world.

In addition to his diary, Pigafetta also published a number of other works, including:
● Relazione del primo viaggio intorno al mondo (Account of the First Voyage around the
World)
● Trattato di navigazione (Treatise on Navigation)
● Trattato di cosmografia (Treatise on Cosmography)
● Trattato di astronomia (Treatise on Astronomy)
Pigafetta's works were widely read and had a significant influence on European cartographers
and explorers. He is considered to be one of the most important chroniclers of the Age of
Discovery.

2. Historical Background of the Text

Antonio Pigafetta, a young Italian aristocrat who had joined the expedition three years
prior and worked as Ferdinand Magellan's assistant en route to the Molucca Islands, was on
board. The First Voyage Around the World, published in 1525, was based on Pigafetta's
Logbook. According to researcher Theodore Cachey Jr., a researcher, claims that the
travelogue was "the literary apex of its genre" and gained a large following. His publications
provide insightful perspectives on the Age of Exploration and the race to identify unexplored
lands during this turning point in history.

The background of the text is the Age of Discovery, a period of European exploration and
colonization that began in the 15th century and lasted until the 17th century. During this period,
European explorers sailed to all parts of the world in search of new trade routes, resources, and
lands to colonize.
 Magellan's expedition was one of the most ambitious voyages of the Age of Discovery.
Magellan was determined to find a western route to the Spice Islands, which were a valuable
source of spices such as cloves and nutmeg. Magellan's expedition was also the first to
circumnavigate the globe. Pigafetta's book is an important source of information about
Magellan's expedition and the Age of Discovery. It is also a significant work of literature that
provides insights into the cultures of the people that Pigafetta and Magellan encountered on
their voyage.

DURING READING ACTIVITY

3. Content and Contextual Analysis of the Important Historical Information Found in

the Document.

Magellan and his men reached the Philippines island, or what they named the islands of
Ladroni, on March 16, 1521. On March 18, 1521, they first arrived on the island of Zamal
(Samar). Locals welcomed the Magellan crew with displays of gladness. The local Filipinos did
extend a kind welcome to the visitors. As described by Pigafetta, “they exhibited great signs of
pleasure at seeing us.”Magellan offered the locals red caps, mirrors, combs, and other items
since he thought they were reasonable folks. Magellan dubbed the region Islands of Humunu as
the "Archipelago of San Lazarus" due to the numerous islands situated in that region. In
exchange, the locals sent fish, wine, coconuts, and other resources. "Archipelago of San
Lazarus" was the earliest name for the Philippines.The first Mass in our nation was celebrated
on March 31 and Eastern Day, proving that Magellan's strategy to influence the people's
religious beliefs on the island he has conquered is successful. The first cross was then erected
in Mazaua (Limasawa), as Magellan had wished for the benefit of the locals. The native Filipinos
had previously worshiped idols and a God they called "Abba," but they abandoned this belief
when they converted to Christianity, which Magellan had introduced. They were not received
with open arms because Magellan refused to pay tribute when he was asked to do so.

POST-READING ACTIVITY

4. Contribution and Relevance of the Document in Understanding the Grand

Narrative of Philippine History.

Pigafetta, a scholar hailing from Venice, emerged as one of the rare survivors of
Ferdinand Magellan's groundbreaking global expedition, which landed in the Philippines in
1521. His travelogue presents a firsthand narrative of the events, interactions, and observations
that unfolded during this momentous odyssey. This encompassed intricate details concerning
the initial encounter between Europeans and Filipinos, marking a pivotal juncture in Philippine
history. Pigafetta's work made a profound contribution to Philippine history. It not only serves as
a vital source of information about the expedition itself, appealing to adventurers and travelers,
but also serves as a comprehensive portrayal of the early Filipino people. His accounts delve
into their languages, resources, traditions, culture, and even the wealth of the Philippines. It
substantially enriches our comprehension of how Filipinos of that era engaged with Magellan
and his entourage upon their arrival in the archipelago. Furthermore, Pigafetta's records unveil
the discoveries that spurred the emergence of various industries and facilitated mutually
beneficial collaborations. These interactions paved the way for the exchange of goods,
knowledge, and cultural practices between the expedition's crew and the indigenous Filipino
communities. This allows historians to delve into the initial repercussions of European contact
on Philippine societies. Unquestionably, Pigafetta's account has played a pivotal role in shaping
the historical memory and identity of the Philippines. It remains a frequently cited source in
contemporary dialogues regarding pre-colonial Philippines, offering profound insights into the
archipelago's state prior to European colonization.

5. Relevance of the Document to the Present Time

Antonio Pigafetta's documentation of Ferdinand Magellan's expedition in the 16th

century remains relevant in the present time for several reasons:

1) Historical Insight: Pigafetta's chronicles provide invaluable historical insights into the
early age of exploration, giving us a window into the challenges, discoveries, and
interactions between cultures during that period.
2) Geographic Knowledge: His detailed accounts of the expedition's journey, including
maps and descriptions of the lands they encountered, contribute to our understanding of
the geography of the time, helping historians trace the development of world maps.
3) Cultural Exchange: Pigafetta's observations of the indigenous people and their
customs serve as early anthropological records, shedding light on the cultures and
societies that Magellan's crew encountered.
4) Navigational Techniques: Pigafetta's writings include information on navigation
techniques and methods used during the expedition, which can still be of interest to
maritime historians and navigators today.
5) Primary Source Material: Pigafetta's documentation is considered a primary source,
offering a firsthand account of the events, which is crucial for scholars and researchers
studying this period.
6) Globalization and Exploration: As globalization continues to shape our world,
Pigafetta's documentation reminds us of the historical roots of global exploration and the
impacts it had on connecting distant parts of the world.

In essence, Pigafetta's work remains relevant as a historical and cultural record, providing a
valuable glimpse into the past and aiding our understanding of the world's interconnected
history.