New research suggests that ancient human ancestors may have first used fire as early as 1.79 million years ago, pushing back the timeline for controlled fire use by over a million years. The study, published in the journal Nature, analyzed archaeological sites in Africa and found evidence of burned bones and plant remains dating back to that period.
Oldest Fire Evidence
Previously, the oldest evidence of hominins making fire came from a 400,000-year-old Neanderthal site in England. The new discovery, from a site in Kenya, indicates that early hominins were using fire much earlier than thought. The researchers found microscopic evidence of burning in sediments and artifacts that were dated using multiple methods.
Implications for Human Evolution
The controlled use of fire is considered a major milestone in human evolution. It allowed early humans to cook food, which increased nutrient availability and may have contributed to brain growth. Fire also provided warmth, protection from predators, and extended the day for social activities. The new timeline suggests that these benefits were available to hominins much earlier than previously believed.
Scientific Methods
The team used a combination of techniques, including radiometric dating and analysis of microscopic charcoal, to confirm the age of the site. They also ruled out natural fires by examining the pattern of burning and the association with stone tools. The evidence points to intentional fire use rather than wildfires.
Future Research
Researchers plan to continue excavating the site and others in the region to find more evidence of early fire use. They also hope to understand how fire technology spread among early hominin populations. The study adds to a growing body of evidence that human ancestors were more innovative than previously recognized.
