Early Humans and the Controlled Use of Fire: Evidence from 1 Million Years Ago

Frontiers in Nutrition | 16 May 2025

Early Evidence of Controlled Fire

A recent study by Dr. Miki Ben-Dor and Professor Ran Barkai, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, examines the earliest evidence of fire use by early humans. The research suggests that controlled fire use dates back nearly one million years, but it was not a regular practice among early human populations.

Fire Was Rare in Early Human Societies

According to the study, the use of fire was not a routine activity for early humans. At most archaeological sites older than 400,000 years, there is little or no evidence of consistent fire use.

Even where fire traces exist, many sites show no burnt bones or clear signs of meat roasting, indicating that fire was used only occasionally rather than as a daily survival tool.

Association with Homo erectus

The study suggests that the early users of fire were most likely Homo erectus, one of the earliest hominin species known for technological and behavioral innovations.

Researchers argue that maintaining fire required significant effort. Gathering fuel, igniting flames, and sustaining them over time demanded planning and cooperation. As a result, early humans probably used fire only in specific locations and for particular purposes.

Energy Efficiency and Strategic Use

The researchers propose that early fire use was driven by practical considerations. Because maintaining fire required substantial effort, early humans likely used it when it provided clear benefits, such as:

• Protection from predators
• Processing food resources
• Social interaction and communication
• Environmental adaptation

This suggests that fire management may have been a strategic behavior rather than a constant technological practice.

Global Archaeological Evidence

The researchers reviewed archaeological evidence from sites dated between 1.8 million and 800,000 years ago where traces of fire have been identified.

In total, nine prehistoric sites with possible fire evidence were identified worldwide, including:

• Gesher Benot Ya’aqov (Israel)
• Evron Quarry (Israel)
• Six sites across Africa
• One site in Spain

These findings demonstrate that early fire use occurred in multiple regions but remained relatively rare.

Implications for Human Evolution

The controlled use of fire represents a major milestone in human evolution. It influenced diet, social organization, and adaptation to different environments.

However, the study suggests that regular and widespread fire use developed much later in human history. Early hominins may have experimented with fire long before it became a central part of human survival strategies.

Relevant Questions: 

1. Describe the culture related to Homo erectus. (15M/2018)

2. Paleolithic Culture. (10M/2015)