Land Ho! Vase

Man has been sailing the oceans for thousands of years. Early mariners traveled along the coastlines in sight of land, relying on landmarks to estimate their position and progress.

Over time, sailors developed methods of navigating by observing the sun and stars. However, plotting a course on overcast days without visible celestial markers was not possible, so the invention of the compass in the 12th century was crucial for ocean travel. A hundred years later, navigation charts were created to map the coastlines and keep detailed records of voyages.

The age of exploration gave rise to the invention of the spyglass in 1608, helpful in spotting land, and identifying other ships, friend or foe. Dating back to ancient Egypt, lighthouses still play an important part in navigation. They warn sailors of dangerous shallows and rocky coasts, and help guide vessels safely in and out of harbors.