A groundbreaking archaeological discovery is reshaping our understanding of ancient societies by challenging previous views that the first humans in Europe skillfully controlled fire.
Researchers at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland have made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds light on the early use of fire by humans in Europe. According to Phys.org, their findings suggest that our ancestors knew how to start and control fire at least 250,000 years ago, which was previously thought to be 50,000 years ago.
Focus.Technologies own telegraph channel. Subscribe so you don’t miss the latest and exciting news from the world of science!
The scientists used forensic chemistry techniques to analyze the molecular remains of the incomplete combustion. This method allowed them to detect traces of fire at Valdocarros II, an archaeological site located near Madrid in Spain.
D., an associate professor at Heriot-Watt University specializing in geochemistry for the reconstruction of ancient environments. The research team, led by Clayton Magill, collaborated with Spanish archaeologists Susana Rubio-Jara and Joaquín Panera of the Complutense University of Madrid. Geochemistry, the branch of science that studies the chemical composition of terrestrial rocks and minerals, played a key role in his work.
Dr. Magill clarified the significance of his findings, saying: “We have undeniable evidence of deliberate arson, and the organized arrangement of the remains strongly suggests that humans were the architects of these fires. The purpose of these fires could be anything from cooking to cooking.” Strengthening defensive structures Spatial patterns observed in fire remains are indicative of the environment and suggest the presence of structures such as dwellings, common areas or animal shelters such as living rooms, kitchens or dormitories.”
Also, chemical analysis of burnt residues showed that our human ancestors deliberately chose certain types of firewood based on their combustion characteristics, including heat production and minimal smoke emission.
The implications of these findings are truly astounding as they fill a critical gap in our understanding of human-controlled fire and its profound impact on human development.
Dr. Stressing the importance of fire in shaping our species, Magill said: “Fire is the most important defining feature of humanity. The ability to cook, which nourishes our highly developed brain, has played a critical role in our evolutionary success. Fire has also contributed to protection, communication and social bonds in families and communities. The overwhelming evidence that fires burned out in Europe about 50,000 years earlier than previously thought is a fascinating discovery.”
The group plans to examine stone tools found near the quarries in the next phase of their research. Their purpose is to determine whether these tools are used for specific purposes related to the creation and regulation of fire, such as cutting meat or processing factories.
Dr. “We want to find out if the selective or specific use of tools overlaps with mastery in fire control,” Magill said.
Among the earliest examples of human-controlled fire in the world, East Africa ranks first about 1.5 million years ago, followed by Israel about 790,000 years ago. Previous evidence has linked countries such as Hungary, France and Germany to the use of fire in Europe.
Previously Focus wrote about a real-time capsule: the oldest human footprints in the world were discovered in Germany. They are 300,000 years old.
We also talked about where man came to Europe from. A new study sheds light on the evolution of Homo sapiens.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.