Unveiling the Secrets: How Ice Age Humans Mastered Fire for Survival

Learning to control fire was a major milestone for early humans. It allowed them to cook food, stay warm, and illuminate dark nights. This essential skill dates back over a million years and has played a crucial role throughout human history.

One fascinating period to consider is the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), which lasted from about 26,500 to 19,000 years ago. During this time, the Earth was extremely cold and icy. Surprisingly, there’s little evidence that humans used fire frequently during the LGM, despite its potential benefits.

A recent study examined three ancient fireplaces found in Ukraine, tied to human activity during the LGM. These hearths provide new insights into how people in the Upper Paleolithic managed fire during such harsh conditions.

William Murphree, a geoarchaeologist from the University of Algarve, highlights that while fire was common before and after this period, evidence from the LGM is scarce. Researchers wonder why that is the case. Perhaps the cold climate limited the growth of trees, reducing firewood availability. Alternatively, people may have built as many fires as before, but environmental changes might have destroyed much of the evidence.

Other possibilities exist, too. There could be a bias in modern research that makes it seem like fewer hearths were used. This question of fire usage during the LGM is intriguing and could reshape our understanding of this era.

At the Korman’ 9 site along the Dniester River, the researchers found that the fireplaces they studied were simple yet effective, capable of reaching ground temperatures of up to 600 degrees Celsius. They primarily used wood, especially spruce, as fuel. They also discovered traces of animal bones, although it’s unclear if these were used for fuel or were mistakenly burned.

Philip Nigst, an archaeologist at the University of Vienna, emphasizes the versatility of fire for early humans. It was not only used for warmth but was also critical for cooking and socialization. Different hearth characteristics across the site suggest that people returned for distinct purposes over time, potentially adapting their fire use based on seasonal needs.

A noteworthy aspect of this study is how it challenges the notion of diminished fire use during the LGM. The findings indicate that some hunter-gatherers maintained their fire-making skills, raising questions about why hearths from this time are so rare elsewhere.

As Murphree mentions, significant changes in the soil from freezing and thawing could have led to lost evidence of ancient fires. Or maybe, people relied on other technologies to adapt to the ice age conditions.

This study, published in Geoarchaeology, opens new doors to understanding how ancient humans survived one of the most challenging climates in our planet’s history. Their ability to harness fire, even during such extreme conditions, reflects not just survival but also ingenuity.

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