Ancient Civilizations And Their Locations Questions
The Ancient Polynesians used various navigation techniques to navigate the vast Pacific Ocean. One of the most important techniques was celestial navigation, which involved observing the stars, sun, moon, and other celestial bodies to determine their position and direction. They used star compasses and memorized the patterns of stars to navigate during both day and night.
Another technique used by the Ancient Polynesians was wayfinding, which involved observing natural signs and cues from the environment. They paid attention to the movement of birds, the color of the ocean, cloud formations, and the behavior of marine life to determine their location and direction.
The Polynesians also relied on navigational instruments such as the kamal, a small wooden board with holes used to measure the angle between stars and the horizon. They also used the astrolabe, a device used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies.
In addition to these techniques, the Polynesians had extensive knowledge of ocean currents, wind patterns, and wave behavior, which they used to their advantage in navigation. They also had a deep understanding of the geography of the islands and the patterns of migration of different marine species.
Overall, the navigation techniques used by the Ancient Polynesians were a combination of celestial observations, environmental cues, and navigational instruments, allowing them to successfully navigate the vast Pacific Ocean and discover new islands.