Thecompasshas been guiding travelers for over1,000 years, first invented by theChinese during the Han Dynasty (2nd century B.C.). Early compasses were made oflodestone, a naturally magnetized mineral that aligns with Earth’smagnetic field.
By the12th century, European sailorsperfectedthe design, allowing forlong-distance sea voyages. Without the compass,Age of Explorationfigures likeMagellan and Columbusmay never have crossed the seas!
Even in the age ofGPS technology, the simple magnetic compass remains areliable navigation tool, proving its timeless importance!
