AI Insight
Researchers have developed a new analytical method to determine whether ancient bones were exposed to fire, revealing evidence that Homo erectus used fire in caves approximately 1.79 million years ago. This discovery pushes back the timeline for controlled fire use by human ancestors significantly earlier than previously documented evidence. The method provides more definitive proof of early fire use compared to traditional archaeological techniques that relied on visual inspection of burned materials.
Why it matters
This finding fundamentally changes our understanding of human evolution and cognitive development, as controlled fire use enabled cooking, protection, warmth, and social gathering. The new detection method could be applied to reassess other archaeological sites worldwide, potentially revealing additional early evidence of fire use that was previously undetectable.
A new method that detects whether bones have been burned reveals Homo erectus brought fires into caves far earlier than previous evidence had suggested
Source: Ancient human ancestors may have first used fire 1.79 million years ago