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600 BCE
Phoenicians Use of Sea Routes
The Phoenicians began using preset routes while combing The Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean for different resources, even managing to make it as far as England and Africa. (Navigation) -
414 BCE
Military Application of Diving
While detailing the Siege of Syracuse the Greek historian Thucydides mentions divers being used to remove obstacles in harbors so the ships could dock and invade. (Military) -
200 BCE
Eratosthenes Calculates the Circumference of the Earth
Eratosthenes, the Greek astronomer, was the first person to accurately calculate the circumference of the earth after using the angles of shadows and the distance between the cities of Alexandria and Cyrene. He came to the answer of 40,000 kilometres, only 32 kilometres away from the actual circumference. (Navigation) -
1000
Invention of the Compass
The compass was invented in China during the Han Dynasty and was originally used for fortune telling but once they discovered its use in navigation it allowed sailors to travel farther and quicker. (Navigation) -
1498
Vasco da Gama Sails Around the cape of Good Hope
Vasco da Gama of Portugal became the first European to sail to India after going around the Cape of Good Hope. (Trade) -
Ben Franklin's Maritime Observations
Franklin wrote a letter Alphonsus le Roywhere he stated the existence of the Gulf Stream and how sailing methods could be improved. (Science) -
Establishment of The U.S. Coast Survey
Thomas Jefferson established The U.S. Coast Survey in 1807 with the purpose of studying the East Coast of the United States. They tested and cataloged tidal currents, sea floor characteristics and the characteristics of near shore waters.(Science) -
Expedition of The H.M.S. Beagle
Charles Darwin embarked on The Beagle to survey the flora and fauna of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. This research was a major breakthrough towards Charles' Theory of Evolution. (Science) -
Expedition of the H.M.S. Challenger
Much like The H.M.S. Beagle this expedition was launched with the purpose of gaining scientific knowledge of the ocean. The scientists aboard the ship tested the temperature and density of the sea water, discovered underwater mountains and many species of sea life. These great achievements were compiled in a fifty volume research report titled The Challenger Report. (Science) -
The Founding of the Scripps Institute
Founded in California, The Scripps Institute for Biological Research was the first and leading institution for studying oceanography and marine biology. (science)
