Neanderthals Mastered Fire 400,000 Years Ago

New findings suggest Neanderthals mastered fire-making approximately 400,000 years ago in eastern England. This significant discovery, detailed in the journal Nature, predates previous evidence of human fire use by over 350,000 years. The research centers on evidence found at an archaeological site in Barnham, where shattered flint and pyrite indicate repeated intentional fire-starting.

The analysis of burned soil and the presence of pyrite, a mineral not naturally found in the immediate vicinity, strongly support the conclusion that Neanderthals were actively creating fires. This capability likely provided essential benefits, including cooked food, warmth, and protection from predators, fundamentally altering early human life and paving the way for future innovations.

While this specific site provides compelling proof, the extent of fire-making's prevalence 400,000 years ago remains a subject of ongoing research. However, the discovery highlights how crucial mastering fire was for human evolution and the development of civilization.