Discovery Pushes Back Human Fire-Making Timeline by 350,000 Years

New research has revealed that humans were able to create fire approximately 400,000 years ago, significantly earlier than the previous estimate of 50,000 years in northern France. This groundbreaking discovery took place at a disused clay pit in Barnham, Suffolk, where scientists uncovered fire-cracked flint, hand axes, and heated sediments. The findings, led by a team from the British Museum, provide crucial insights into early human behavior and adaptation.

Among the key discoveries at the site were fragments of iron pyrite, a mineral known for its ability to produce sparks. The presence of this mineral, which is not commonly found in the area, suggests that it was deliberately transported by early humans for the purpose of making fire. Geological studies conducted over four years confirmed that the heating of the clay was not due to natural wildfires, but rather the result of repeated fire usage by humans.

Impact on Human Evolution

The controlled use of fire by early humans is believed to have had profound effects on human evolution. According to the study’s authors, fire provided warmth and protection from predators, enhancing survival in harsh environments. It also allowed for cooking, which expanded the range of consumable foods and created social spaces around the hearth.

Dr. Rob Davis, Project Curator of Pathways to Ancient Britain at the British Museum, described the hearth area as being “about half a metre in diameter, sort of a small campfire.” This suggests that early humans had developed a practical understanding of fire’s benefits for socialization and nourishment.

The research team speculated that the fires at Barnham were likely created by early Neanderthals, although their exact identity remains uncertain. Professor Chris Stringer, a prominent researcher at the Natural History Museum, noted that this period coincided with significant increases in brain size, which may have been facilitated by the nutritional benefits derived from cooked food. “Our brains are energetically expensive,” he explained, highlighting that they consume approximately 20 percent of the body’s energy. The ability to cook food with fire likely played a critical role in supporting the energy needs of a larger brain.

Broader Implications

The implications of this research extend beyond just the timeline of fire-making. Professor Stringer emphasized that the knowledge of fire-making likely originated in continental Europe and was brought to Britain via a land bridge that existed during that period. He explained that the cold climate of around 450,000 years ago may have led to significant population die-off in Britain, necessitating a repopulation of the area.

The ability to create and control fire would have provided early humans with a crucial advantage as they migrated to regions with harsher winters. “Having fire gives you warmth, deters wild animals, and enhances nutrition from food,” he said. These factors likely contributed to a positive feedback loop in which brain development and social interaction flourished, paving the way for advancements in communication and possibly even language.

The findings of this study, titled “Earliest Evidence of Making Fire,” have been published in the journal Nature. Professor Nick Ashton, Curator of Palaeolithic Collections at the British Museum, described the discovery as the “most exciting” of his 40-year career, underscoring its significance in understanding human evolution.

As researchers continue to explore the origins of fire-making, this discovery at Barnham not only rewrites our understanding of early human capabilities but also highlights the complex interplay between environmental adaptation and cognitive development.