1. Compass: The introduction of the magnetic compass from China allowed sailors to determine their direction more accurately. It removed reliance solely on celestial navigation and enabled sailors to venture further into open oceans.
2. Astrolabe: Developed in the late Middle Ages, the astrolabe helped navigators calculate latitude by measuring the angle of the sun or stars above the horizon. It improved accuracy in determining a ship's position and facilitated long-distance travel.
3. Caravel and Galleon Ships: These new ship designs were more advanced than traditional vessels. They had improved hulls, multiple sails, and more efficient rigging. Caravels and galleons allowed sailors to make longer and more efficient voyages.
4. Maritime Maps and Charts: Advances in cartography led to the creation of more detailed and accurate maps and charts. These navigational aids helped sailors plot their courses with greater confidence across vast oceans.
5. Rudders and Sails: The use of movable rudders and multiple sails on ships improved maneuverability, allowing explorers to take advantage of wind patterns and reach new destinations.
6. Portuguese "Volta do Mar": Portuguese explorers developed the "Volta do Mar" technique, a method for navigating along the coast of Africa by taking advantage of ocean currents and winds.
7. Printing Press: The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century enabled the widespread dissemination of knowledge, including navigational techniques, travel accounts, and scientific discoveries, which inspired further exploration.
8. Portuguese Caravels: Portuguese shipbuilders designed the caravel, a small, highly maneuverable vessel with large triangular sails, perfect for exploring the African coastline.
9. Navigational Instruments: In addition to the compass and astrolabe, other instruments like the cross-staff and quadrant were used to measure the position of celestial bodies and calculate latitude and longitude.
10. Shipbuilding Techniques: European shipbuilders refined their techniques, constructing stronger and more durable vessels that could endure long journeys and rough seas.
These technologies and innovations, along with the spirit of exploration and scientific inquiry, enabled European explorers to venture beyond their known world and embark on voyages that would reshape global history.