Scientists discover oldest evidence of human-made fire in a 400,000-year-old hearth

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Scientists have discovered 400,000-year-old evidence of human-made fire at an ancient hearth in southern England, pushing back the timeline for the mastery of fire by about 350,000 years
• The findings shed light on how early human ancestors, likely Neanderthals, used fire to cook, protect themselves, and socialize, marking a pivotal step in human evolution

🔭 The context: The discovery challenges previous timelines and methods of fire creation, highlighting the significant impact fire mastery had on human development
• This ability to control fire allowed for better nutrition through cooked food and may have supported brain growth and social behaviors, crucial aspects of human evolution

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Mastery of fire was not only pivotal for early human survival and socialisation but also influenced how societies interacted with their environment
• The environmental aspect lies in how early humans adapted to their surroundings, with fire enabling them to thrive in different climates, expand their food sources, and impact their ecosystems in ways that are still studied today

⏭️ What’s next: As research on this early evidence continues, scientists will explore more about how early humans used fire, possibly changing our understanding of their social structures and environmental adaptations
• This discovery also highlights the ongoing importance of archaeology in uncovering the depths of human history and its interaction with the environment

💬 One quote: “Mastery of fire is thought to be a pivotal part of human evolution, catalyzing big brains and social behavior.” — The Washington Post

📈 One stat: This discovery pushes back the timeline of fire-making by 350,000 years.

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