Song magnetic compass used for land navigation
1040
The Song military manual Wujing Zongyao described an iron south-pointing fish floated in a bowl of water, which soldiers could consult on overcast nights when the stars gave no guidance. Though the magnetic compass had been known for centuries as a divination tool, its adaptation for practical navigation marked the beginning of a revolution that would eventually transform seafaring worldwide.
In context
Also in 1040 (3 other events on record)
- Bi Sheng invents movable-type printing · East Asia · Technology
- Battle of Dandanaqan · Central Asia · War
- Macbeth kills Duncan I of Scotland · Europe · Politics
Before and after in East Asia
Before and after in Science
Era
High Middle Ages (1000–1300), one of 1,306 events from that era on Saeculum.