The picture depicts a famous Chinese invention often used by sailors to navigate the seas.

(a) Identify the invention.

(b) What was it used for?

(c) In what ways did this invention bring the people of the world closer?

(a) The picture depicts a mariner's compass.

(b) It was used for navigation. The spoon shaped lodestone would align with Earth's magnetic field, pointing south. Sailors used it to determine direction while traveling across land and seas.

(c) The invention of compass brought the people of the world closer in the following ways:

1. Facilitated Exploration: Enabled safer and longer sea voyages, helping sailors reach distant lands.
2. Boosted Trade: Helped establish and maintain trade routes like the Silk Road and maritime trade networks.
3. Cultural Exchange: Allowed ideas, religions, inventions, and goods to move between regions, connecting various civilizations together.