Technology
The Astrolabe and Its Impact on Medieval Navigation
Quick fact
The astrolabe was invented in ancient Greece and perfected by Islamic scholars, who used it to determine prayer times and the direction of Mecca—before it became a revolutionary navigation tool for European voyagers.
Why this is interesting
Imagine sailing across an open ocean with no landmarks in sight—how would you know where you are? The astrolabe was the medieval sailor's answer to that question.