Why did Ferdinand Magellan call the Pacific Ocean peaceful?

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Ferdinand Magellan named the Pacific Ocean "Pacific"—derived from the Latin word for "peaceful"—because his fleet experienced mostly calm waters during their 98-day crossing of the ocean after navigating the Strait of Magellan.12

While the name reflects the relatively tranquil conditions the crew encountered during this specific voyage, the reality of their journey was dire. By the time they reached land, the crew was suffering from extreme starvation and scurvy, forced to eat leather from the ship's rigging to survive. Despite the name Magellan bestowed upon it, the ocean is known today for its volatile nature, including tropical storms and the Ring of Fire, a region characterized by intense volcanic and seismic activity.12