Archaeologists have uncovered the earliest known evidence of humans intentionally starting fires, dating back 400,000 years, at a site in Suffolk, UK. The findings suggest that early Neanderthals or their ancestors repeatedly ignited fires using pyrite and flint. This discovery pushes back the timeline of human fire control significantly.
At Barnham quarry in Suffolk, excavators found pyrite, heated sediment, and heat-shattered handaxes, pointing to deliberate fire-lighting by early humans around 400,000 years ago. Pyrite, which does not occur naturally nearby, was likely transported to the site and struck against flint to produce sparks for igniting kindling like dry grass.
The reddish sediment layer indicates repeated fires, with laboratory analysis revealing magnetic changes from iron minerals altered by heat, suggesting the spot was used a dozen times. Handaxes showed signs of overheating above 700°C, causing them to shatter, possibly by accident during fire-making or tool preparation.
Previously, direct evidence of human-controlled ignition dated only to about 50,000 years ago, though opportunistic fire use may extend to 1.5 million years. This site provides the oldest proof of active fire-starting, highlighting advanced skills in early hominins.
Nick Ashton of the British Museum, who led the study, emphasized the significance: “Pyrite is certainly the clincher.” He added that early Neanderthals were more capable than often credited, noting that making fire requires knowledge of pyrite sources, its reaction with flint, and suitable tinder to turn sparks into flames.
John Gowlett from the University of Liverpool called the evidence “very credible” for routine fire use 400,000 years ago. He explained that repeated fires at a single human-occupied site indicate control, as natural fires like those from lightning do not recur so consistently.
The findings, published in Nature, underscore growing evidence of sophisticated cultural and technological abilities in humans from half a million years ago.