Ancient evidence suggests early humans carried fire 1.7 million years ago

Before Humans Learned to Make Fire, They May Have Carried It: Study Reveals 1.7 Million-Year-Old Evidence

Deep within South Africa's Wonderwerk Cave, researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that early human ancestors may have interacted with fire as far back as 1.7 million years ago. This discovery, based on the analysis of burnt bone fragments, offers a glimpse into how fire may have been used long before it was fully mastered.

The study, published in *PLOS ONE*, builds on earlier findings that had already placed Wonderwerk Cave at the center of discussions about the origins of fire use. Previous research had dated fire evidence at the site to around one million years ago, making it one of the oldest known examples of fire use by hominins. The new analysis, however, pushes the timeline even further back, to between 1.07 and 1.79 million years ago.

The burnt material was found in layers associated with early Acheulean tools, typically linked to Homo erectus or its close relatives. Significantly, the evidence was located about 30 meters inside the cave, far from the entrance where natural bushfires or sunlight could have reached. This suggests that the fire was not a result of external wildfires but was instead brought into the cave.

To determine the age and nature of the burnt fragments, researchers employed a novel luminescence technique. When exposed to specific wavelengths of light, bones that have been subjected to high temperatures emit a faint glow, revealing their history of exposure to heat. This non-destructive method allowed scientists to analyze tiny fragments without altering them, providing a more precise understanding of their thermal history.

Interestingly, many of the burnt bones were found within owl pellets—compacted remains of small prey regurgitated by owls that naturally roosted in the cave. Since these pellets accumulate independently of human activity, the presence of burnt fragments within them suggests that fire was an environmental factor in the cave, rather than a result of later human disturbance.

The evidence points to repeated burning events, rather than a single occurrence, deep within the cave. The absence of guano layers, which could indicate spontaneous combustion, further supports the idea that fire was brought into the cave rather than occurring naturally inside. Researchers propose that early humans may have opportunistically collected embers or smoldering material from natural sources like wildfires or lightning strikes and carried them into the cave.

This behavior does not imply that early humans had mastered fire-making. Instead, it suggests a more rudimentary interaction with fire—one of transporting and maintaining it intermittently, shaped by the circumstances of their environment.

The findings align with the Acheulean period, a phase of human evolution marked by advancements in tool-making and gradual shifts in diet and mobility. While fire use during this time remains a topic of debate, the evidence from Wonderwerk Cave indicates that early humans were beginning to explore its potential. Fire in a sheltered space could have influenced various aspects of their lives, from food preparation to nighttime activities, while also introducing challenges in maintaining it.

This discovery adds a new layer to our understanding of early human behavior, suggesting that the journey toward mastering fire began with cautious and opportunistic interactions rather than deliberate control.