Ep 4. Navigating The Globe

In this exciting episode of Ancient Engineering season 2, titled "Navigating The Globe," we explore the fascinating technologies and techniques that ancient civilizations utilized to navigate and explore the vast expanse of the open sea.

Starting with the ancient Phoenicians, who are credited with being some of the first seafarers to venture beyond the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic Ocean, we witness how they managed to navigate without the aid of modern-day GPS or even the magnetic compass. Instead, these intrepid sailors relied on the stars, the sun, and the moon to guide them across the treacherous waters.

From there, we move on to the Greeks, who developed a more sophisticated system of navigation that incorporated the use of observational astronomy and trigonometry. With the help of tools like the astrolabe and the quadrant, Greek sailors were able to plot their courses with increasing accuracy and precision, allowing them to travel further and explore new horizons.

Moving on to the Viking explorers, we learn how they used a combination of celestial navigation and dead reckoning to navigate through the foggy and icy waters of the North Atlantic. With their mastery of boat building and seamanship, the Vikings were able to cross the ocean and establish colonies in places as far afield as Greenland and Newfoundland.

We also take a closer look at the ancient Polynesians and their incredible navigational skills. With no written language, the Polynesians relied on their knowledge of the stars, the ocean currents, and the behavior of marine life to navigate across vast distances of open ocean. Using techniques such as wayfinding and wave piloting, they were able to explore and settle the many islands of the Pacific, thousands of miles from their point of origin.

Throughout the episode, we see how these ancient civilizations developed increasingly sophisticated technologies and techniques for navigating the open seas. From the earliest days of seafaring to the dawn of the Age of Exploration, we witness the evolution of navigation and its vital role in shaping the course of human history.

Through stunning reenactments, expert interviews, and cutting-edge computer-generated imagery, "Navigating The Globe" offers a fascinating look at the ingenuity, determination, and bravery of those who set out to explore the unknown reaches of the world's oceans. For anyone interested in history, engineering, or adventure, this is a must-see episode of Ancient Engineering season 2.