Early Humans May Have Used Fire 1.8 Million Years Ago, Nearly Doubling the Age of the Oldest Known Evidence for the Feat

Discoveries in Wonderwerk Cave, South Africa, have unearthed burned bones linked to Homo erectus, suggesting that early humans may have been using fire as long as 1.8 million years ago. While they might not have fully mastered fire-making, evidence indicates they could have transferred and maintained existing natural flames. This finding nearly doubles the previously known age of fire use by humans, shedding new light on the cognitive and survival capabilities of early hominins. The implications are significant for understanding human evolution and our ancestors' ability to adapt to and control their environment.