New Study: Humans Made Fire 400,000 Years Ago, Far Earlier Than Thought

• A new study suggests early humans mastered fire about 400,000 years ago, significantly earlier than previously thought.
• Archaeological evidence from Barnham, Suffolk, includes burned materials and iron pyrite, indicating intentional fire-making.
• Geochemical analysis revealed high temperatures and repeated burning, consistent with a constructed hearth.
• The presence of non-native iron pyrite suggests early humans deliberately collected it, demonstrating planning and technological knowledge.
• Fire control aided human evolution by helping survival in cold, deterring predators, enabling cooking, and fostering social development.

Why It Matters: New evidence shows humans mastered fire much earlier, impacting evolution and technology.