Humans may have made fire 400,000 years ago, study finds

Humans May Have Made Fire 400,000 Years Ago, Study Finds (Image: Pexel)

Scientists in Britain report early humans mastered fire far earlier. The finding comes from new archaeological evidence in England. Researchers say deliberate fire-making occurred about 400,000 years ago. The discovery reshapes understanding of early human technology.

The findings were published in the journal Nature. Scientists say the evidence predates previous confirmed records significantly. Earlier proof came from Neanderthal sites in northern France. Those sites dated to around 50,000 years ago.

Ancient fire-making: What is happening

The discovery was made at Barnham in Suffolk. The Paleolithic site has been studied for decades. A British Museum-led team identified burned archaeological materials. These included baked clay and heat-fractured flint tools.

Researchers also found fragments of iron pyrite. Pyrite produces sparks when struck against flint. Scientists spent four years testing alternative natural explanations. They aimed to rule out wildfires and lightning strikes.

Geochemical analysis revealed temperatures exceeding 700 degrees Celsius. Tests also showed repeated burning at the same spot. Scientists say this pattern indicates a constructed hearth. Natural fires rarely burn repeatedly in identical locations.

Rob Davis from the British Museum explained the significance. He said the evidence shows intentional fire creation. The combination reveals how fire was actually produced.

Early humans and fire: What it means

Iron pyrite does not naturally occur at Barnham. Its presence suggests deliberate collection by early humans. Researchers say the inhabitants understood pyrite’s ignition properties. This indicates planning and technological knowledge.

Evidence of fire-making is rarely preserved archaeologically. Ash disperses easily and charcoal degrades over time. Heat-altered sediments are also often eroded. At Barnham, ancient pond sediments sealed the remains.

This preservation allowed researchers to reconstruct fire use. Scientists say the implications for human evolution are significant. Fire helped early populations survive colder environments. It also deterred predators and enabled cooking.

Cooking reduced toxins and killed harmful pathogens. It also released more dietary energy. Researchers link this to increasing brain size.

Chris Stringer from the Natural History Museum commented on the find. He said fossils suggest early Neanderthals lived there. Cranial features and DNA indicate growing cognitive abilities.

Fire also supported social behaviour development. Hearth gatherings allowed planning and storytelling. These activities strengthened social bonds and communication skills.

Human evolution timeline: What comes next

Archaeologists say Barnham fits a wider European pattern. Similar changes occurred between 500,000 and 400,000 years ago. During this period, human brain sizes increased noticeably. Evidence of complex behaviour also became more visible.

Nick Ashton of the British Museum described the discovery. He called it the most exciting find of his career. Ashton has worked in Paleolithic archaeology for 40 years.

For researchers, the find answers a key question. It shows when humans controlled fire independently. This marked the shift from natural flames to human-made fire.