historical navigation

Historical navigation involved methods sailors used to determine their position and chart their course across oceans and seas before modern technology. Navigators relied on celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars, using tools such as the sextant and astrolabe to measure angles and calculate latitude. They also used dead reckoning—estimating position based on speed, direction, and time—and consulted charts and landmarks. These techniques allowed explorers to discover new lands and establish trade routes. Despite limited precision, skilled navigators managed complex journeys across uncharted waters, contributing significantly to exploration and global connectivity.