‘Most exciting discovery’: Humans controlled fire use 4 lakh years ago; scientists find evidence
Posted on: Dec 11, 2025 15:46 IST | Posted by: Livemint
Archaeologists feature made a john roy major find in Suffolk, England. 2 little pieces of pyrite were found in an old clay pit near Barnham. This is the oldest evidence of controlled fire use by humans.
The inch-long mineral chunks show that early humans were deliberately starting fires at this spot 4 lakh years ago. This is significantly earlier than the known Neanderthal use of fire, which occurred around 50,000 years ago.
Pyrite creates sparks when struck with flint. The pieces were found with other signs of a hearth, including baked clay and two flint hand axes that had heat fractures.
Fire helped early humans cook food, which boosted brain growth, kept them warm, and facilitated the sharing of knowledge. Researchers spent four years ruling out natural causes, such as lightning.
Tests showed temperatures above 700 °C with repeated burning at the same place. It proves controlled fire use by ancient humans.
Fire use evolved slowly over a period of more than a million years. Early humans moved from using natural fire to maintaining and then creating it. Yet, proving when deliberate fire-making began is difficult because natural fires and human-made fires often leave similar traces.
The site featured heated sediments and flint handaxes, which had cracked due to extreme heat, along with two pieces of iron pyrite. This mineral is not common in the area. It was likely carried there to strike sparks with flint.
This ability to make fire would have given huge advantages. Cooking meat may have helped improve digestion and energy, which in turn supported early brain development, as well as social bonding, according to the study published in Nature.
‘This is the most exciting discovery of my 40-year career’, Metro quoted curator Nick Ashton, who was a part of the team that made the discovery.
Co-author Rob Davis told The Times: “The implications are enormous. The ability to create and control fire is one of the most important turning points in human history, with practical and social benefits that changed human evolution.”
Archaeologist Michelle Langley, who was not involved in the discovery, spoke about the importance of controlled fire use.
"If you are cooking your meat and other foods, you're getting a lot more nutrition out of it with less effort, but it also keeps away predators, so it can make us safer, provide warmth. It does make a significant difference to humanity," ABC News quoted Dr Langley as saying.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.