Traces found in an old clay quarry in Great Britain indicate that human ancestors knew how to independently light fires as early as 400,000 years ago. This discovery radically changes perceptions of evolution, pushing back the moment of mastering fire-making technology by hundreds of thousands of years into history.
Making fire. Image: Craig Williams / The Trustees of the British Museum / britishmuseum.org
Previously, it was believed that the regular practice of making fire, rather than merely using natural flames, spread in Europe much later — the earliest confirmed evidence in France dated back to 50,000 years ago. However, new findings near the village of Barnham in Suffolk, Great Britain, shift this chronology back by 350,000 years.
The Independent newspaper reports on this significant scientific achievement, referencing a publication in the journal Nature. Researchers found heat-cracked flint, ancient hand axes, and burnt soil at the excavation site.
But the most important evidence was two discovered fragments of pyrite (iron disulfide) — a mineral used for striking sparks. Geological studies confirmed that pyrite does not occur naturally in this area. This allows us to assert that ancient humans specifically brought it with them for the purpose of lighting fires.
Fragment of pyrite found near the village of Barnham in Suffolk. Photo: Craig Williams / The Trustees of the British Museum / britishmuseum.org
It took a team of scientists led by specialists from the British Museum four years to rule out the possibility of natural causes of ignition. Geochemical analyses showed that fires were repeatedly and systematically lit in the same spot, which is characteristic of human activity, not spontaneous forest fires. According to the researchers, the fireplace area was small — about half a meter in diameter, resembling a typical small campfire.
Scientists suggest that the fires were lit by early Neanderthals, although it is currently difficult to precisely identify the species of humans.
Professor Chris Stringer from the Natural History Museum notes that it was during this period that the brain size of our ancestors increased to modern levels. Since the brain consumes about 20% of the body's energy, the ability to cook food over fire became a critically important advantage. Thermal processing allowed for the acquisition of more nutrients, which literally "fueled" evolution and brain growth.
The controlled use of fire fundamentally changed the lives of ancient humans. It provided warmth for survival in harsh conditions, protected against wild animals, and expanded their diet. In addition, the fire became a center of social interaction. Extra daylight hours allowed people to craft, share information, and teach each other, which might have even contributed to the development of language.
Researchers believe that the inhabitants of Barnham did not invent fire on site, but brought this knowledge with them from continental Europe across a land bridge that existed at the time. This occurred during a period of Britain's resettlement after a major cold spell.
Excavations near the village of Barnham in Suffolk. Photo: Jordan Mansfield / britishmuseum.org
Approximately 450,000 years ago, the climate was so harsh that the island's previous population likely completely died out. Therefore, a new wave of migrants faced the necessity of surviving where winters were much colder. In such conditions, the ability to light fires became a kind of "insurance" for difficult times, guaranteeing warmth and safety.
Nick Ashton, curator of Palaeolithic collections at the British Museum, called this discovery the most exciting of his 40-year career, as it proves the presence of a key element of human culture as early as 400,000 years ago.
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