The early history of transportation

The early history of transportation includes innovation from around the world, with ancient China contributing the compass and stirrup. The transportation technologies developed before the 19th century were later built upon and adapted in later eras.

Horses: Horses have been used for several thousand years to send messengers, and transport soldiers. Horse training and horse back riding technologies like the stirrup (invented in China 2000 years ago; in use in Europe by 700 A.D, stirrups help riders to more easily control their horses).The earliest known reference to equine transport was a seal impression of a stylized horse in a boat, dating from about 1500 B.C. ( AJ Evans 1905). Scholars have noted that in the 5th century B.C. vessels transporting horses were recorded by Herodotus and Thucydides as part of the Persian expeditions against Greece ( Morrison 1976)

The Compass: First used by Chinese sailors around 1100 A.D., the compass made navigating ships and traveling long distances much more reliable and safe.The magnetic compass was first invented as a device for divination as early as the Chinese Han Dynasty (since about 206 BC).The compass was used inSong Dynasty China by the military for navigational orienteering by 1040–1044, and was used for maritime navigation by 1111 to 1117. The earliest Chinese literature reference to magnetism lies in the 4th century BC writings of Wang Xu : "The lodestone attracts iron." The book also notes that the people of the state of Zheng always knew their position by means of a "south-pointer"; some authors suggest that this refers to early use of the compass.

The Caravel: This type of sailing ship was used by Spanish and Portuguese explorers and traders during their voyages of discovery. From Columbus's first voyage in 1492, the caravel was popular due to its speed. Caravels have also been used for fishing and war.

Circumnavigation: As better ships and maps were developed, European explorers embarked on longer voyages. The first known expedition to successfully sail around the world was led by Ferdinand Magellan (1519-1522). Magellan set out on his journey with five ships but only ship returned to Spain; Magellan himself died in a battle during the voyage.