The compass has been guiding travelers for over 1,000 years, first invented by the Chinese during the Han Dynasty (2nd century B.C.). Early compasses were made of lodestone, a naturally magnetized mineral that aligns with Earth’s magnetic field.
By the 12th century, European sailors perfected the design, allowing for long-distance sea voyages. Without the compass, Age of Exploration figures like Magellan and Columbus may never have crossed the seas!
Even in the age of GPS technology, the simple magnetic compass remains a reliable navigation tool, proving its timeless importance!