Maritime exploration refers to the investigation and discovery of new sea routes, lands, and resources by navigating the oceans and seas. This practice has been crucial for trade, cultural exchange, and the expansion of empires throughout history. Notable maritime explorers include Christopher Columbus, who sailed across the Atlantic in 1492, and Ferdinand Magellan, who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe. The advancements in shipbuilding and navigation techniques, such as the use of the compass and astrolabe, significantly enhanced maritime exploration. These innovations allowed explorers to travel further and more safely, leading to the mapping of previously unknown territories and the establishment of maritime empires.