Quadrant, an ancient tool. Islamic astronomers greatly improved the quadrant before introducing it to Europe centuries later. The quadrant was an important navigational aid at sea and in the desert. For Muslims, one of its most important functions was determining the qibla, or direction of Makkah. The origin of the first quadrant is unknown.

---

Quadrant, an ancient tool. Islamic astronomers greatly improved the quadrant before introducing it to Europe centuries later. The quadrant was an important navigational aid at sea and in the desert. For Muslims, one of its most important functions was determining the qibla, or direction of Makkah. The origin of the first quadrant is unknown.

---

Size: 3966px × 5288px
Location:
Photo credit: © World History Archive / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: ancient, archival, archive, astronomers, desert, europe, greatly, historical, history, islamic, muslim, navigation, quadrant, sea, tool