When did humans start using fire?
Mankind has become able to take actions different from other animals by using 'fire'. Human beings have walked with 'fire', but when did they start using fire? explained by Clayton McGill of
Organic geochemical evidence of human-controlled fires at Acheulean site of Valdocarros II (Spain, 245 kya) | Scientific Reports
Humans were using fire in Europe 50,000 years earlier than we thought – new research
https://theconversation.com/humans-were-using-fire-in-europe-50-000-years-earlier-than-we-thought-new-research-205807
Evidence of human interaction with fire dates back as far as 1.5 million years ago. Among the fossils discovered in the South African cave ' Swartcrans ' where many fossils of apes have been found, bones of hominid animals along with burnt bones of animals from 1.5 million to 1 million years ago It is believed that these fossils are the oldest evidence of the relationship between humans and fire.
However, even if hominid remains and burnt bones are found at the same site, it is not clear whether they are from the same period, nor whether humans controlled fire. Evidence that humans deliberately started fires and managed the range and temperature of the fires is also important, not the ones that used naturally occurring forest fires.
The earliest evidence of human use of fire was found at Gesher Benot Ya'aqov, an approximately 790,000-year-old site in Israel. Charred vegetation and burnt stone tools have been identified at this site. Other sites in Israel include Qesem Cave, where evidence from 420,000 to 200,000 years ago was found, and Tabun Cave, where evidence of about 340,000 years ago was found, both of which have been used by humans. Evidence was left behind. These evidences suggest that mankind managed fire, but it is difficult to prove the relevance to the ``motivation'' of fuel procurement, fire preparation, and why fire was managed. That's right.
A research paper published by McGill et al.
McGill and his team conducted a survey at the Spanish ruins 'Valdocarros II', which is said to have existed 250,000 years ago. We have found evidence that our ancestors controlled and used fire. This puts the earliest evidence of human control of fire in Europe going back 50,000 years from existing evidence.
A study found that 'lipid' biomarkers found in decaying pine trees indicated that the pine trees were used as fuel. Furthermore, the evidence is supported by the existence of molecules called 'polyaromatic hydrocarbons' produced by incomplete combustion, and analysis of this confirms that the pines found in Valdocarros II burn at low temperatures of around 350 degrees Celsius in a relatively short time. It is understood that he was killed.
It can be assumed that if the temperature was a little higher, it would have been warm instead of a bonfire, but it is unlikely that it was warm at a temperature of 350 degrees. McGill and others speculate that pine trees were used to keep the temperature low and used for cooking, as high-temperature bonfires are not suitable for cooking.
The evidence McGill and his colleagues found is neither the oldest in the world nor the first humans to control fire, but it is full of multiple evidences of control of fire. Therefore, Mr. McGill interprets it as 'an important indicator in considering the evolution of mankind.'
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