💨 Abstract

A pair of pyrite chunks found in Suffolk, dated to 400,000 years ago, suggest early humans deliberately started fires. This discovery, part of a hearth-like structure, indicates controlled fire use much earlier than previously thought. Fire significantly impacted human evolution by enabling cooking, making habitats more hospitable, and fostering social gatherings. The pyrite, not naturally occurring in the area, was likely brought by early Neanderthals migrating from continental Europe.

Courtesy: Sam Courtney-Guy