Archaeologists recently made an exciting discovery in Suffolk, England. They found the oldest evidence of fire-making by prehistoric humans, dating back around 415,000 years. The site, located in Barnham, near an ancient pond, is believed to have been home to Neanderthals.
Researchers noted that this finding shows “unequivocal evidence of deliberate fire-making,” which has been hard to confirm before. Past studies struggled to distinguish between natural fires used by early humans and those that were intentionally created by them.
It’s estimated that early humans may have started using naturally occurring fires, like those from lightning strikes, nearly a million years ago. However, this new discovery pushes back the timeline for controlled fire-making significantly.
At the barn site, archaeologists uncovered heated clay, shattered handaxes, and pieces of iron pyrite. This mineral can create sparks when struck, suggesting that Neanderthals brought it to the area specifically for fire-making.
Nick Ashton, an archaeologist leading the research, believes this evidence changes our understanding of early fire usage. “We think humans carried pyrite to the site with the intention of making fire,” he explained. Until now, the oldest known deliberate fire-making evidence was found in France, dating to about 50,000 years ago.
Although no human remains were found at the Barnham site, other discoveries in southern England and Spain suggest that Neanderthals likely made the fire. They went extinct about 39,000 years ago, but their genetic legacy lives on in modern humans.
The importance of controlled fire extends beyond warmth and safety. It revolutionized diets by allowing early humans to cook food, enhancing nutrition and making meals easier to digest. This energy-saving shift may have supported the growth of their brains.
Rob Davis, another archaeologist involved in the study, highlighted that fire also played a crucial role in social development. It allowed larger groups to gather in safety, fostering social bonds, storytelling, and perhaps even the early stages of language.
“The campfire becomes a social hub,” Davis said. “We’ve used fire to shape our world.”
Overall, this discovery sheds light on our ancient ancestors and their incredible adaptability. Understanding how early humans engaged with fire helps us appreciate the foundations of human civilization.
For more insights, you can check out the full details in the journal Nature.
