TLDR;
This video provides a detailed summary and analysis of Antonio Pigafetta's account of Magellan's voyage around the world, focusing on its significance as a primary source for understanding pre-colonial Philippine history. It covers the objectives of studying primary sources, the importance of historical sources, and Pigafetta's experiences in the Visayas region. The summary includes key events such as the arrival in the Marianas Islands, the first mass in the Philippines, and Magellan's death in the Battle of Mactan.
- Importance of primary sources in understanding and interpreting the past.
- Antonio Pigafetta's account as a major reference for events leading to Magellan's arrival in the Philippines.
- Key events covered include the arrival in the Marianas Islands, the first mass in the Philippines, and Magellan's death in the Battle of Mactan.
Introduction and Learning Objectives [0:03]
The lecture introduces Chapter 2 of the course, focusing on the content and contextual analysis of selected primary sources in Philippine history. The learning objectives include familiarizing oneself with primary documents from different historical periods in the Philippines, learning history through these sources, properly interpreting them by examining their content and context, and understanding the context behind each selected document. The discussion will cover a brief summary of Antonio Pigafetta's account of the first voyage around the world by Magellan.
Importance of Historical Sources and Criticisms [2:17]
Historical sources are essential tools for historians to understand and interpret the past, helping to ascertain historical facts. These facts are then analyzed and interpreted by historians to explain historical events and their context. Primary source analysis involves two types of criticism: external criticism, which examines the authenticity of the documents or evidence, and internal criticism, which examines the truthfulness of the content of the evidence.
Antonio Pigafetta's Chronicle: Voyage Around the World [5:48]
The primary source under examination is Antonio Pigafetta's chronicle of the voyage around the world, derived from accounts of 16th-century explorers. Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian nobleman and navigator, chronicled contemporary voyages, including Ferdinand Magellan's circumnavigation. His work quickly gained recognition among Western literary figures and is considered one of the most important primary sources for studying pre-colonial history in the Philippines.
Significance of Pigafetta's Account [9:44]
Antonio Pigafetta's account is a major reference for understanding the events leading to Magellan's arrival in the Philippines. It provides detailed observations and narratives of the exploration, including encounters with local leaders, Magellan's death at the hands of Lapu-Lapu's forces during the Battle of Mactan, and the departure of Magellan's fleet from the islands. Published after Pigafetta's return to Italy, the account offers invaluable insight into the journey, encounters with various cultures, and the challenges faced by the expedition.
Arrival at the Marianas Islands (Landrones Island) [12:08]
Pigafetta's account details their fleet reaching what he called "Landrones Island," or the "Island of Thieves," presently known as the Marianas Islands, which are not part of the Philippines. He described the people as lacking arms but using sticks with fishbones at the end, noting they were poor but ingenious and great thieves, hence the name.
Arrival in Samar and Interactions with Natives [14:51]
After ten days, Pigafetta reported reaching the Isle of Zamal, known today as Samar. Magellan decided to land on an uninhabited island for greater security. On March 18, 1521, nine men approached them, showing joy and eagerness. Magellan provided them with food, drinks, and gifts, recognizing their welcoming nature. The natives reciprocated with fish, palm wine, figs, rice, and other supplies.
Description of Palm Trees and Coconut [17:06]
Pigafetta expressed amazement and fascination with the palm tree, or "sa Lui," which bore fruits called "Coco" and could produce wine. He described the coconut as being roughly the size of a human head, with a green outer husk about two fingers thick. The fibers within were used to make cords for fastening boats. He characterized the people as familiar, friendly, and willing to show them different islands.
Homonhon Island and the Archipelago of St. Lazarus [19:51]
They found what Pigafetta referred to as the "watering place of good sign," noting the first signs of gold on the island. They named the island Homonhon, with the nearby islands called the Archipelago of St. Lazarus. Magellan's arrival at Homonhon in March 1521 marked the first European contact with the archipelago. He named the islands in honor of the Feast of St. Lazarus.
Encounter with the Balanghai and Interactions with Local Kings [21:08]
On March 25, 1521, Pigafetta recounted seeing a "balanghai," a long boat full of people. The leader, referred to as the king of balanghai, sent his men to Magellan. The Europeans entertained them with gifts. When the king offered Magellan a bar of gold and chest of ginger, Magellan declined but sent his interpreter, Henry, to ask for money for ship supplies, emphasizing his friendly intentions. The king responded by providing the needed provisions.
Brotherhood and Sharing of Knowledge [23:15]
Magellan and the king expressed their desire to become brothers. Magellan boasted about his armored soldiers, highlighting their invulnerability to swords and daggers, which fascinated the king. Magellan shared his charts and maps, explaining how they found the island. He was then introduced to the king's brother, Ria Calambu, who was also a king of another island in Butuan.
Arrival in Butuan and Easter Sunday Mass [24:20]
In Butuan, Pigafetta reported seeing mines of gold, with parts of the ship and the king's house made of gold. He described the king as the most handsome man he had seen, adorned with silk and gold accessories. On March 31, 1521, which was Easter Sunday, Magellan ordered a mass to be celebrated by the shore. The king of balanghai and King Ria Calambu attended the mass.
First Mass in the Philippines and Planting of the Cross [26:07]
King Ria Calambu and King Sia Shago participated in the mass, kissing the cross during the offertory. Magellan ordered that a cross be erected with nails and a crown, symbolizing his emperor. He clarified that the cross would signal to other Spaniards that he had visited the land, preventing conflicts and ensuring the release of any captives. The mass is considered the first mass in the Philippines, and Magellan's cross is still preserved today.
Journey to Cebu and Interactions with the King [28:44]
After seven days, Magellan decided to seek more supplies and learned of the islands of Seilani (Leyte), Bohol, and Zubu (Cebu). Ria Calambu offered to pilot them to Cebu, the largest and richest island. On April 7, 1521, they reached Cebu, where Magellan declared he was a captain of the king and would not pay tribute to other kings.
Refusal to Pay Tribute and Blood Compact [30:14]
The king of Cebu, through Magellan's interpreter, demanded tribute, but Magellan refused, stating he only served King Manco Balan. Magellan's interpreter explained that Magellan's king was the emperor of a great empire, advising friendship over enmity. The king of Cebu consulted his council. On April 8, Magellan's men and the king of Cebu met in an open space, where the king offered a bit of his blood, demanding Magellan do the same, symbolizing a blood compact.
Magellan's Speech and Conversion to Christianity [31:55]
On April 9, Magellan spoke to the people of Cebu about peace in God, which they enjoyed. He emphasized rendering honor and obedience to parents. When asked about succession, the people stated the king's eldest daughter would succeed him. Magellan preached further about their faith, convincing many. On April 14, Magellan encouraged the king of Cebu to become a good Christian by burning idols and worshiping the cross.
Baptism and Spread of Christianity in Cebu [33:25]
The king of Cebu was baptized as a Christian, taking the name Don Charles or Carlos. The prince was named Don Fernand or Fernando. Pigafetta noted that by April 22, 1521, many island inhabitants had been baptized. Magellan gave the king an image of the Infant Jesus. When Magellan insisted on burning idols, the natives requested to keep them to heal a sick man, but Magellan insisted on faith in Jesus Christ.
Conflict in Mactan and Magellan's Death [36:17]
On April 26, 1521, Zula, a principal man from Mactan, asked Magellan for help in fighting Chief Lapu-Lapu, who refused to obey the king. Magellan offered three boats and expressed his desire to fight Lapu-Lapu himself. Magellan arrived in Mactan with his forces, but the battle turned against them. Magellan was targeted and eventually killed by the natives.
Aftermath of Magellan's Death and Betrayal [43:39]
After Magellan's death, Duarte Barbosa was elected as the new captain. The interpreter, Henry, betrayed the remaining men by telling the king of Cebu that they intended to leave quickly. The king conspired to betray Magellan's men, inviting them to a gathering where they were slain, except for the interpreter and Serrano. The fleet departed, abandoning Serrano. Pigafetta's chronicle was commissioned by the king of Spain to document the voyage intended to expand the Spanish Empire.
Conclusion [45:32]
Magellan's forces were defeated by Lapu-Lapu and the natives. Pigafetta's chronicle remains one of the most cited documents by historians studying the pre-colonial Philippines, holding great importance in the study and writing of Philippine history.