10 Famous Things That Were Invented Way Earlier Than You Think

7. The Compass: Navigating the Seas Long Before the Age of Exploration

The compass, a crucial navigational tool, has a history that stretches back to ancient China. The earliest compasses, dating to the Han Dynasty (around 206 BC to 220 AD), were made from lodestone, a naturally magnetized mineral. These early devices were used for divination and geomancy, but their potential for navigation was soon realized. By the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), the compass had become an essential tool for maritime exploration, allowing sailors to navigate the seas with greater accuracy and confidence. The invention of the compass marked a significant advancement in human exploration, enabling the expansion of trade routes and cultural exchanges across vast distances. The history of the compass underscores the interconnectedness of technological innovation and human exploration, highlighting the profound impact that a single invention can have on the course of history. By examining the development and evolution of the compass, we gain insight into the ways in which ancient technologies have shaped our modern world.