archeology

The controlled use of fire was a key part of the development of human technology with a range of uses that greatly expanded human cultural evolution. Although evidence at a number of archaeological sites suggests the use of fire dates back over a million years, it is unclear whether the fire at these sites were created by the intentional, controlled ignition by human ancestors, the occasional exploitation of naturally occurring fire, or merely a coincidental co-occurrence. Newly published archaeological research, conducted by a multi-national team, provides strong indications that at least one group of human ancestors possessed the knowledge and the technique to create fire as needed, 400,000 (400 ka) years ago.