What did ancient people use to navigate the desert?

Ancient people used several methods to navigate the desert, primarily relying on natural landmarks, the position of the sun during the day, and the stars at night. They often utilized the North Star for orientation and followed the patterns of wind and sand dunes. Additionally, knowledge passed down through generations about routes and water sources played a crucial role in their navigation methods. Some cultures also used simple tools, like a gnomon or shadow stick, to help determine direction.