Technological advances were really important for European exploration during the Age of Exploration. Let’s break down some of the key innovations that helped sailors and explorers during this time:

1. Navigational Tools:

   • Compass: This handy device showed sailors which way was north, south, east, or west. It made it easier for them to find their way on the open sea.
   • Astrolabe: This tool was used to measure the position of stars. It helped explorers figure out how far north or south they were, which was essential for planning their journeys.

2. Ship Design:

   • Caravel: These were fast and flexible ships with special sails that allowed them to sail against the wind. This made them perfect for exploring along the African coast and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Cartography:

   • New developments in map-making led to better maps that showed coastlines, seas, and land. This was really helpful for explorers when they were planning their trips.

All these innovations came together to allow explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama to discover new places. Their journeys led to important exchanges of culture and goods between different parts of the world.

By using these new technologies, European countries were able to explore further and create trade routes. This changed the way people interacted around the globe.