Mastering fire was an important turning point in human history after the systematic production and use of stone tools. However, the precise chronology of this important progress has been difficult to determine.

The first evidence of the use of fire comes from African settlements such as Swartcrans, Chesovanja, and Koobi Fora, dating back about 1.5 to 1.6 million years. At the same time, recent research shows that these cases may be the result of natural fires rather than deliberate human intervention.

When people master the fire

Modern knowledge suggests that people began to use fire, at least systematically. 400,000 years ago. However, strong evidence such as Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa (about one million years ago), Euron sites (1-0.8 million years ago) and Gesher-Benoth-Yaakov (about 0.8 years ago) is beyond doubt. There are also older sites where it refers to human activity. million years ago). Similar finds are also found in Europe, particularly in a Spanish cave. Negra del Estrejo del Rio Sipar.

In a recent study, a team of scientists led by Clayton Magill of Heriot-Watt University in England and Spain conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Valdocarros II Acheulean region in the Spanish province of Madrid. Archaeologists have found many examples of human settlement in the area, which corresponds to between 285,000 and 235,000 years ago, when the Heidelberg people lived in Europe.

Detailed study

To confirm or disprove the hypothesis of using fire in this region, the scientists collected sediment samples and subjected them to extensive geochemical analysis. In these samples, the researchers found specific ketone molecules formed at temperatures of around 450 degrees Celsius. These ketones are believed to form when oils are heated, which is what ancient residents of the site said, they probably used animal bones as fuel for their fire.

Another confirmation of anthropogenic fires was the presence of alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, characteristic of incompletely burned biomass such as wood or bones. After analyzing these organic compounds, the scientists concluded that the fire temperature ranges from 350-500 degrees Celsius in some cases and about 100-150 degrees Celsius in others. Such temperature fluctuations strongly suggest that humans are responsible for starting the fires, as wildfires tend to produce much higher temperatures.

The presence of terpenes, another group of hydrocarbons, indicates that in addition to animal bones, wood, especially conifers such as pine, serves as additional fuel. In addition, all samples from the Valdocarros-II site contained chemical compounds associated with xylophagus, suggesting that ancient people collected dead wood rather than burning freshly cut wood.

What does this show?

Based on these findings, the researchers conclude that the ancient inhabitants of the Valdocarros II region used fire as a tool, using animal bones and wood as fuel. It is estimated that around 245,000 years ago, local hominids used fire for cooking or to scare away wild animals, including hyenas and foxes.

The research highlights the creativity and adaptability of early humans, providing valuable insight into their behavior and abilities. Using the power of fire, ancient hominids gained a significant advantage that allowed them to move on to the next level of development.