The famous explorer who completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth was Ferdinand Magellan. His expedition, which began in 1519, aimed to find a westward route to the Spice Islands. Magellan's journey demonstrated the vastness of the Earth and showcased the possibilities of global navigation. Despite Magellan's death in the Philippines in 1521, his fleet continued to successfully navigate back to Spain, completing the voyage in 1522. This achievement had profound implications for trade, establishing new maritime routes and enhancing European interest in global exploration.