When did man’s ancestors first learn to use fire?
New archaeological research at Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa suggests that early humans were using fire as far back as 1.7 million years ago. This discovery pushes back the timeline for the intentional use of fire, which provided early hominins with warmth, protection, and the ability to cook.
Why it matters
Understanding when humans mastered fire is crucial to identifying the evolutionary milestones that allowed for human brain development and social advancement.
The discovery provides new insights into how our ancestors first began to harness one of the most important tools in human history.
The article presents scientific findings from a peer-reviewed journal without political or social bias.
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