Magellan Cross is a testament to the remarkable feats of Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese adventurer who spearheaded the first-ever triumphant journey around the world.
This iconic emblem bears his name as a tribute to his groundbreaking achievement, which has left an indelible mark on the pages of history.
In the year 1521, during his historic journey, Magellan set foot on the shores of Cebu, Philippines. To commemorate his arrival and assert Spanish dominance, he erected a wooden cross close to the dwelling of the village chief. This act symbolized the advent of Christianity and the beginning of Spanish colonization in the island chain. Magellan Cross.
Magellan’s Motives for Planting the Cross in Cebu, 1521
Political Assertion:
The act of placing the cross in the ground was a symbolic gesture that asserted Spain’s ownership of the territory. During that period, employed Christian symbols to indicate new territories and exhibit their power. For Magellan, this act represented the beginning of Spanish colonization in the archipelago.
Read More: Magellan Cross