ipl-logo

Magnetic Compass In Medieval Europe

1328 Words6 Pages

MAGNETIC COMPASS Compasses work by using magnets. The magnet inside them is drawn to the Earth’s magnetic field and the magnetic poles. The magnetic compass brought lots of change about for medieval Europe. It allowed more trade and the exploration of new places. The compass was first invented in China during the Han Dynasty between 500-300BC. But it did not spread to the rest of the world with any haste. During the renaissance, (meaning rebirth in French) from 1400-1600 AD, Europe had major advances in technology. The magnetic compass was first introduced to Europe by merchants seeking to trade them. The early compasses were made of lodestone, (a naturally magnetised ore of iron) and a needle floating in water. It was first used by …show more content…

The compass allowed them to travel without having to worry. The compass also allowed people to travel all year round, instead of only between April and October (to avoid the Mediterranean winter). More people walking and sailing let to the discovery of lots of new land and seas, and, evidently, created an opportunity to colonise more part of Europe and the world. If the compass hadn’t been invented, we might all still being living in Europe. Also allowing Europe to sell more products to more places, and receive trade from more places, creating a name for themselves and, over time, boosting their own economy and bringing new technology into their lives. That is, until the Black Plague came along and wiped out approximately one third of Europe’s population and considerably damaged their economic and social …show more content…

In 1051AD, Harold’s dad, Godwin of Wessex, formed an army against Edward and was defeated, causing his whole family to be exiled. In 1052AD, Godwin created another army against Edward, forcing Edward to restore the Godwin family as he could not form an army. Harold claimed that, on his deathbed, Edward promised his kingdom to Harold. Since Harold was the closest ‘heir’ geographically, the kingdom was given to him. Much before becoming King, in 1064AD, he shipwrecked in Normandy and he swore to William, Duke of Normandy that he would help him become King. After becoming King, Harold’s brother, Tostig Godwinson, pledged his allegiance to Harald Hadrada and invited him to come and claim the English throne. Harold Godwinson was the last Anglo-Saxon king of

Open Document