Paths Without Maps: Navigation & Infrastructure Before GPS
Key Insights#
- Ancient navigation relied on environmental literacy rather than instruments
- Infrastructure systems were designed for both practical and political purposes
- Innovations in transportation and communication enabled vast empires
- Medieval technological advances laid foundations for modern economies
- Many ancient systems remain relevant for sustainable development today
References#
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Boselli, V. A., Borroni, M., Kassout, J., Houssni, M., Kettouch, A., & Cristoforetti, S. C. (2025). Qanats: Ancient innovations nurturing sustainable futures in water management - IRIS. IRIS Blue Papers, 4(1), 14–25.
Cartwright, M. (2014, September 8). The Inca road system. World History Encyclopedia.
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