 |
Alonso ArellanoA 16th century Spanish traveller.
Country:
 Spain |
Content:
- Alonso de Arellano: Spanish Navigator of the 16th Century
- Expedition to the Philippines
- Discovery of the Carolines
- Transpacific Crossing
- The "Urdaneta Route"
- Return to the Philippines and Untimely Demise
Alonso de Arellano: Spanish Navigator of the 16th Century
Early Life and Early VoyagesAlonso de Arellano was born in Spain in the 16th century, but his exact date of birth and early life are unfortunately unknown.
Expedition to the Philippines
In November 1564, Arellano joined Miguel López de Legazpi's expedition to the Philippines. He commanded the ship "San Lucas" and set sail from Mexico with four other vessels.
Discovery of the Carolines
In December 1564, Arellano's ship separated from the main expedition. He reached the island of Samar in the Philippines on February 14, 1565. En route, he passed through the Marshall and Caroline Islands, where he discovered and charted the Truk Islands and several atolls.
Transpacific Crossing
After visiting the Philippines, Arellano set sail for home. He navigated the ship north to 43° north latitude (slightly east of Hokkaido, Japan) before turning back to Acapulco. Thus, the "San Lucas" became the first ship to cross the Pacific Ocean from east to west.
The "Urdaneta Route"
Arellano's voyage paved the way for the establishment of a regular trade route between the Philippines and Mexico. Another member of Legazpi's expedition, Andrés de Urdaneta, followed Arellano's path and made detailed observations of the Pacific Ocean east of Japan. This route became known as the "Urdaneta Route" in his honor.
Return to the Philippines and Untimely Demise
In 1566, Arellano returned to the Philippines. However, during the voyage, his navigator, Lope Martín, mutinied and killed him. Martín was later cast ashore on an uninhabited atoll near the equator by the crew.
