Unveiling the sophisticated understanding of fire in ancient human societies, a groundbreaking discovery reveals that early humans perfectly controlled flames to cook, warm, and potentially drive away predators.
Unlikely Fire-Wielders of the Past
People perfectly controlled the fire and knew how to use it in different ways, depending on the purpose of the ‘fire’ . This sophisticated understanding of fire was found in ancient hearths discovered in modern-day Ukraine during the last Ice Age.
Controlled fire is a deliberate application of fire to achieve a specific goal, such as cooking, warmth, or industrial processes.
It involves managing the fire's size, temperature, and spread to ensure safety and efficiency.
Controlled fires are used in various industries, including cooking, metalworking, and waste management.
They require careful monitoring and maintenance to prevent uncontrolled spreading.
Statistics show that controlled fires account for a significant portion of global energy consumption.
The discovery of these three hearths, dated between 26,500 and 19,000 years ago, sheds new light on the technological advancements of early humans. Led by researchers from Austria‘s University of Vienna and Portugal‘s University of Algarve, the scientists identified signs of controlled fire use that would have made even modern-day grill masters proud.
The hearths were found to be open and flat, with one being larger and thicker than the others. According to Philip Nigst, a researcher at the University of Vienna, these differences in size and thickness suggest a surprising sophistication in the control of ‘People perfectly controlled the fire and knew how to use it in different ways, depending on the purpose of the fire’.
The discovery also revealed remnants of bone and animal fats in the hearths, which could have helped early humans burn hotter and brighter. While it’s unclear whether these remains were added intentionally or occurred during cooking, their presence is a fascinating find that highlights the complexity of ancient fire use.
The controlled use of fire dates back to at least 1.5 million years ago, with evidence showing early humans using it for cooking and warmth.
In ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, 'fire was used for various purposes including metalworking, pottery, and food preservation.'
The earliest known method of starting a fire was through friction methods like hand drills or bow drill.
Later, ancient people discovered the use of flint and steel to create sparks, making it easier to ignite 'fires.'
The researchers’ findings raise more questions than answers. Did people not find enough fuel during the Ice Age, leading them to rely on other technological solutions? Or did they deliberately destroy other hearths due to environmental changes? For now, these questions remain unanswered, leaving us with a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of our ancestors.
Fire as a Tool for Survival
The ability to control fire was likely a crucial factor in the survival and success of early humans. By harnessing the power of flames, they could cook their food, warm themselves, and potentially even drive away predators.
The discovery of these advanced fire-wielding skills during the Ice Age period challenges our previous understanding of human technological development during this time. It suggests that early humans were not only resourceful but also innovative, using their environment to create tools and solutions that would have been unimaginable to us today.
Early humans made significant innovations that paved the way for modern civilization.
One of the earliest examples is the development of fire control around 1.5 million years ago, which enabled cooking and warmth.
The discovery of tools, such as stone knives and hand axes, dates back to around 2.6 million years ago.
Additionally, early humans developed language, allowing for complex communication and social organization.
These innovations demonstrate the resourcefulness and adaptability of our ancestors.
A Glimpse into Ancient Lives
The study of ancient hearths like these offers a unique window into the lives of our ancestors. By analyzing the remains of fire pits and other archaeological sites, researchers can gain insights into the daily routines, social structures, and technological advancements of past societies.
In this case, the discovery of controlled fire use during the Ice Age period provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early humans. It highlights their ability to adapt and innovate in response to environmental challenges, and raises important questions about their technological development and cultural practices.
- futurism.com | Ice Age Humans Were Skilled Firebenders, Scientists Find
