Humanities' Activities

Conferences cycle: The Journey Around the World of Magallanes-Elcano: Causes and Consequences

The Journey Around the World of Magellan-Elcano: Causes and Consequences

This cycle of three conferences, organized with the Luis de Camoens Chair of the Carlos III University of Madrid, analyzed the economic and social environment in Europe at the beginning of the Magallanes-Elcano expedition, which culminates in the first journey around the world, as well as the consequences of the trip. The series was coordinated by Daniel Peña, Director of the Luis de Camoens Chair. The first conference, given by Carlos Álvarez Nogal, from the Carlos III University of Madrid, and attended by the public in the auditorium of the Ramón Areces Foundation, analyzed the situation in the world at the beginning of the trip in the early 16th century. The second conference, online and in English, by Francisco Bethencourt, from the University of London, explained how the trip modified the relations between Portugal and Spain and opened the doors to other European countries to explore the world taking advantage of the western route to the Spice Islands. The third conference, also online, by José Manuel Sánchez Ron, from the Royal Spanish Academy, described the scientific and social consequences of the success of the expedition and the dawn of a global vision of the world.