Everything Everywhere Daily The Discovery of Fire
Sep 19, 2020
Discover the critical role fire played in human evolution, marking a defining moment that set us apart from our primate cousins. Learn how mastering fire not only transformed daily life but also enhanced our survival and social structures. Delve into the fascinating link between fire use, brain development, and dietary changes that fueled human intelligence. Explore the journey from scavenging natural flames to creating fire, a pivotal advancement that shaped the path to modern civilization.
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Fire Wasn't Invented In One Eureka Moment
- 'Discovery' of fire isn't a single moment; fire predated humans and the question is when hominins began using and making it.
- The podcast treats Homo species broadly when discussing early fire use and evidence.
Qesem Cave Sets A Solid Lower Boundary
- Confident archaeological evidence places controlled human fire use as late as ~400,000 years ago at Qesem Cave in Israel.
- Cave contexts with repeated ash and hearths indicate purposeful, not natural, fires.
Older Claims Face Strong Ambiguity
- Claims for much earlier fire use (up to ~2 million years) exist but rely on less certain open-air sites and ambiguous residues.
- Natural fires and site disturbance make older evidence harder to interpret conclusively.
