Around the World

Around the World

Reading Comprehension for September 20

On September 20, 1519, Ferdinand Magellan set sail. He was setting out on an adventure. Magellan wanted to find a different route to the Spice Islands. The Spice Islands are in Indonesia. He wanted to be the first to sail west from Spain.


Ferdinand Magellan was born in 1480. He was born in Portugal. His parents died when he was 10 years old. He became the queen's messenger when he was 12. With this job he learned about famous explorers. He learned about sailing ships. This was information that Magellan would use later in his life.


Magellan's first time at sea was when he was 25 years old. He sailed with an admiral from Portugal. When he returned, he began to plan his own trip. He asked the king of Portugal for help. The king said no. Magellan asked the king of Spain for help. He said he would help. Spain was looking for a different route to the Spice Islands in Asia.


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