What came first a navigational compass or a map?

Answer 1

Undoubtedly the map, for the desire to mark ones travels is innate. The magnetic compass was a much later comer, a few hundred years B.C.

Very early maps had east at the top, for it was conspicuous that the Sun rose in that direction. Thus the phrase "to orient the map", for the Orient was the East.

The earliest common useful maps were Portolans, which listed known safe harbours, and the directions from them. In early ages, these were considered state secrets, and wrongful possession could render one subject to the death penalty. Which in those days was not a pleasant death.

It is probable that Columbus was using some stolen Portuguese portolans when he went on his voyages for the Spanish.