Tool
Compass
The first practical compass seems to have been made in Venice in 1274. It was a device supporting a magnetized needle over a card showing four or eight points of direction.
Showing All filtered by Type ➤ Medieval
Explorer
Erik the Red
Erik the Red was the first European to land on and settle in Greenland.
Explorer
Ibn Battuta
He was a Muslim explorer who made a series of journeys that spanned nearly three decades. He traveled throughout almost the entire Islamic world, and went as far as India and China.
Voyage
Ibn Battuta Interactive Map
Ibn Battuta travels took him through much of the Islamic world, Africa, and into many parts of the east, including Central and Southeast Asia, India, and China.
Tool
Kamal
Used to indicate the distance traveled north or south, the kamal was used to guide Arab ships to port. It led to the later development of the cross-staff.
Explorer
Leif Eriksson
He became the first European to land on and establish a settlement in North America. He is also credited for bringing Christianity to Greenland.
Voyage
Leif Eriksson Interactive Map
Leif Eriksson managed to reach North America nearly 500 years prior to Christopher Columbus
Explorer
Marco Polo
Marco Polo is known for traveling along the Silk Road to China, where he explored and documented much of Asia not yet explored by Europeans.
Voyage
Marco Polo Interactive Map
Marco Polo traveled along the famed trading route to China called the Silk Road, and went on to explore and document many parts of Asia not well known to Europeans
Ship
Viking Ships
The Viking ship was a strong durable ship that allowed the Norsemen of Scandinavia sail long distances and raid far away kingdoms.