China is universally acknowledged as the country where the compass was invented. The compass,
originally called Sinan, a south-pointing ladle, appeared during the Warring States Period.
Generally, the directions of north, east, west and south are shown on the compass, and so are the
angle markings in degrees. North corresponds to zero degree, and the degrees increase clockwise.
As one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China, the compass played an important role in
people's life, especially in maritime undertakings. It also had a significant influence on the
western world, as thereafter those countries began large-scale overseas adventures.