jan 1, 1000 - (1000) Compasses first began to be used for navigation

Description:

Around this time period was when the compasses first began to be used for navigational purposes. They started using it more and more when they figured out how to make it portable by rubbing a small metal needle with something magnetic, like a loadstone, and placing in water. The tip of the needle would then become magnetized and point towards north and south.

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