Francisco Gali facts for kids
Francisco Gali (born in Seville, Spain, in 1539 and died in Manila in 1586) was a brave Spanish sailor and mapmaker. He was very active in the second half of the 1500s, exploring the huge Pacific Ocean and traveling between New Spain (which is now Mexico) and the Spanish East Indies (especially the Philippines).
Gali is most famous for his three big trips across the Pacific Ocean. He sailed from Acapulco (in New Spain) to Manila (in the Philippines) in 1583. Then, in 1584, he sailed from Macau (China) back to Acapulco. His last journey was in 1585, again from Acapulco to Manila, where he sadly passed away. At least his last trip was ordered by the Spanish viceroy of New Spain, Pedro Moya de Contreras. Gali made these journeys on the famous Manila Galleons, which were large Spanish trading ships that had started their regular route in 1565.
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Gali's Important Journeys
Francisco Gali made several key voyages that helped connect different parts of the world. His trips were part of the important trade route known as the Manila Galleon route. These ships carried goods like silk and spices from Asia to New Spain, and then silver from New Spain back to Asia.
Sailing the Pacific
Gali's first known major trip was in 1583, when he sailed from Acapulco to Manila. This was a long and challenging journey across the Pacific Ocean. Sailors like Gali had to be very skilled to navigate these vast waters.
Return to Acapulco
In 1584, Gali made another significant voyage, sailing from Macau, a city in China, all the way back to Acapulco. This return trip was especially important because finding the best route back across the Pacific was very difficult due to winds and currents.
Final Voyage and Legacy
Gali's last journey was in 1585, when he once again sailed from Acapulco to Manila. He died in Manila that same year. His detailed reports and maps from these journeys were very valuable for future explorers and traders.
Gali's Reports and Maps
For reasons we don't know, Gali's report about his journey from Macau to Acapulco ended up in the hands of a Dutch traveler named Jan Huygen van Linschoten. Van Linschoten included this information in his famous book, Itinerario, which was published in 1596. This book shared Gali's discoveries with a wider audience, helping other sailors and explorers learn more about the Pacific Ocean and its routes.
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