Scientists Uncover Earliest Evidence of Human Fire-Making 400,000 Years Ago in England
New research in eastern England reveals humans mastered fire-making 400,000 years ago, 350,000 years earlier than thought, evidenced by controlled burning and tool-making.
PBS NewsHourHumans were making fire 350,000 years earlier than previously thought, study finds
The DebriefWas This the First Fire? Archaeologists Unearth New Evidence That Could Solve a Burning Ancient Question
ABC NewsStudy finds humans were making fire 400,000 years ago, far earlier than once thought
Boston HeraldStudy finds humans were making fire 400,000 years ago, far earlier than once thought
Overview
Scientists discovered evidence at Barnham, eastern England, indicating humans learned to make fire 400,000 years ago, significantly predating previous estimates by 350,000 years.
Geochemical tests confirmed repeated burning at over 700°C, with patterns consistent with a constructed hearth, ruling out natural wildfires after a four-year study.
Early humans, including Neanderthals, used fire for tool-making, evidenced by heat-cracked handaxes and collected materials for igniting tinder, showcasing advanced cognitive traits.
Mastering fire was crucial for survival, providing warmth, protection from predators, and enabling cooking, which improved digestion, energy release, and supported brain development.
Fire fostered new social structures, facilitating evening gatherings for planning, storytelling, and relationship building, which were vital for language development and organized societies.
Analysis
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