In 1319, the compass was increasingly used in navigation, particularly by sailors in the Mediterranean Sea. This invention allowed for more accurate sea travel, enabling explorers to venture further and with greater confidence. The compass not only transformed maritime trade but also inspired poets to reflect on themes of exploration, adventure, and the vastness of the unknown in their works.

The compass's role in navigation influenced poets like Christopher Marlowe, who wrote about exploration and the human spirit's quest for knowledge. The themes of discovery and the unknown became prevalent in poetry, as writers sought to capture the essence of human ambition and the desire to explore uncharted territories.