Final answer:
Nautical history began to develop significantly in the fifteenth century with the European adoption of new maritime technologies from non-Western cultures, leading to advancements in sea travel and the creation of navigational tools like the maritime chronometer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origins of Nautical History
The development of nautical history began to significantly evolve in the fifteenth century as a result of Europe adopting new maritime technologies from non-Western cultures. These advancements, such as the lateen sail from Arab sailors and the sternpost rudder from China, along with innovations like the astrolabe and the magnetic compass, dramatically changed the way Europeans engaged in sea travel and exploration. Portugal played a pivotal role in this revolution, initiating the Age of Discovery with advancements in cartography, the development of the caravel, and the use of navigational instruments like the compass and astrolabe.
In the following centuries, the pursuit to solve the "problem of longitude" propelled further developments, with individuals like John Harrison creating the maritime chronometer, a crucial tool for accurate navigation. Moreover, the field of nautical archaeology, particularly spearheaded by pioneers such as Dr. George F. Bass and organizations such as The Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA), has greatly contributed to our understanding of early maritime history by uncovering and studying ancient shipwrecks and navigational practices.