How Did Ancient Civilizations Map the World Without GPS?

Ancient people used stars, rocks, and even water to figure out where they were and how to get somewhere, just like you use a map or your phone to find your way.

Imagine looking up at the night sky. The ancient people watched how the stars moved and used them as their guide, kind of like following a big, shining path in the sky. They knew that certain stars would appear in specific places depending on where they were, it was like having a starry GPS!

During the day, they watched the sun, which helped them know what time it was and which way to go. Sometimes, they used water too, if you pour water into a bowl, it always goes straight down, just like how people today use plumb lines to see if something is straight.

They also drew pictures of the land and made maps on clay or paper, showing rivers, mountains, and cities. These maps helped them remember where they had been, kind of like a picture diary of their travels!