Humans Used Fire 350,000 Years Earlier Than Believed
A new archaeological study suggests that early humans were making and controlling fire nearly 400,000 years ago, pushing back the previously confirmed timeline by about 350,000 years. The discovery was made at the Barnham Palaeolithic site in Suffolk, where researchers uncovered strong evidence of deliberate fire use.
What the Researchers Found
Scientists identified burnt flint handaxes, heated clay and traces of iron pyrite, a mineral known to create sparks when struck against flint. Analysis showed the materials were heated to over 700°C, a temperature unlikely to result from natural wildfires in the region. The presence of pyrite — which does not occur naturally at the site — indicates it was transported intentionally for fire-making.
Impact on Human Evolution Timeline
Earlier verified fire-making evidence dated back only around 50,000 years, largely from sites in northern France. The Suffolk findings indicate that early hominins, possibly early Neanderthals, had mastered controlled fire far earlier. Fire would have played a crucial role in cooking, warmth, protection and social behaviour, all of which significantly shaped human evolution.
Published in Leading Scientific Journal
The study, published in Nature, is being hailed as a major leap in understanding prehistoric technology. Researchers believe further excavation could uncover even older examples of controlled fire use across Europe.
What Comes Next
No human remains were recovered at the site, but researchers say the tools and burnt materials provide compelling proof of repeated fire-making activity. More investigations are planned to map how widespread early fire use may have been.
