What technological advances facilitated seafaring exploration during the Age of Exploration?

The technological advances that played a crucial role in facilitating seafaring exploration during the Age of Exploration were primarily the compass and the astrolabe. The compass allowed sailors to determine cardinal directions, which was essential for navigation over long distances, particularly in open waters where landmarks were not visible. The astrolabe, on the other hand, enabled navigators to calculate their latitude by measuring the angle of celestial bodies above the horizon. This was particularly important for maritime explorers who needed to chart their course accurately and understand their position on the globe.

The combination of these tools significantly improved navigation, allowing explorers to venture further into unknown territories, leading to discoveries that changed the course of history. Other options presented either refer to technologies that were developed after the Age of Exploration or are not directly associated with the advancements that made longer sea voyages feasible during that era.