Renaissance+and+Reformation+Invention

The magnetic compass, as shown in the picture to the left, was invented in the fifteenth century. It told sailors which way was north, helping them know which direction their ship was heading. Sailors during this time, used more technology that depended on magnets. Magnets proved to be a better source of navigation.

The picture on the right shows an astrolabe. The astrolabe was another invention from the fifteenth century. It compared the ship's position to the position of the stars. By doing this, it made it possible to keep track of the ships position. Another invention made for sailors was the caravel, or a sailing ship with three masts and a mixture of triangle and square sails. It was also sturdy. The sails made the vessel more maneuverable.