The first recorded visit by Europeans is Ferdinand Magellan's expedition. They sighted Samar Island but anchored off Suluan Island on March 16, 1521, and landed the next day on Homonhon Island, now part of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Spanish colonialism began with the arrival of Miguel López de Legazpi's expedition on February 13, 1565, from Mexico. He established the first permanent settlement in Cebu. Much of the archipelago came under Spanish rule, creating the first unified political structure known as the Philippines. Spanish colonial rule saw the introduction of Christianity, the code of law, and the oldest modern university in Asia. The Philippines was ruled under the Mexico-based Viceroyalty of New Spain. After this, the colony was directly governed by Spain.