Ferdinand Magellan Timeline Timeline Description: Ferdinand Magellan was a navigator and explorer. He was the first person to sail around the world. This is a timeline of his life. Date Event 1480 Ferdinand is born Ferdinand was born near Portugal. 1490 Ferdinand's parents die Ferdinand became an orphan when he was 10 years old. 1492 A job as the queen's messenger Ferdinand was given the job of messenger in the queen's court. He learned about ships while there. 1505 A sailing expedition on the ocean Ferdinand sailed with Portugal's first admiral, Francisco de Almedia. 1511 Ferdinand makes a second voyage Ferdinand went on another expedition to Melaka.