Technological advances were super important during the Age of Exploration. They helped European countries travel far away from their homes. Here are some key inventions that made a big difference:

1. Better Navigational Tools:

   • Magnetic Compass: This tool helped sailors know which way to go. It made getting lost at sea a lot less likely.
   • Astrolabe: This device helped explorers figure out how far north or south they were by looking at the stars. It was really important for sailing on open water.

2. Better Ship Design:

   • Caravel Ships: These ships were quicker and easier to steer than earlier ones. They were built for long trips across the ocean. Plus, they could sail against the wind, which was a big deal back then.
   • Bigger Cargo Holds: New designs meant ships could carry more stuff. This allowed sailors to go on longer trips without running out of supplies.

3. Better Maps:

   • Improved Maps: As explorers traveled, they made more accurate maps. New techniques and technologies helped create precise maps. This made it easier to navigate and plan future trips.

4. Printing Press:

   • This technology made it easy to share information quickly. Maps, stories of voyages, and navigation tips could be printed and spread around. This sparked a lot of interest in exploration since more people could access the information.

In the end, these advancements didn’t just help find new lands; they changed global trade and cultures. European countries started to create trade routes and colonies, which changed economies and brought new goods, ideas, and cultures to different places. The connections between different civilizations during this time set the stage for our connected world today, impacting many parts of modern life.