Mastery of Fire Transforms Diet and Society

The mastery of fire, occurring two to three million years ago, played a pivotal role in human evolution by allowing early humans to cook meat, significantly enhancing its digestibility and nutritional value. This advancement not only provided essential energy and resources but also enriched social dynamics, as offering choice cuts of meat became a symbol of hospitality and status. The hierarchical significance of sacrifices, whether of valuable animals or even children, underscores the profound impact of food and social rituals in human culture.