Scientists have discovered well-preserved fireplaces from the last ice age, providing new insights into the sophisticated skills of ancient humans. The find, published in the journal Geoarchaeology, reveals that people living during the Upper Paleolithic period used fire for various purposes, including cooking, tool-making, and social gatherings.
Researchers analyzed three hearths unearthed at a prehistoric site in Ukraine and found that one of them reached temperatures of over 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit. This suggests that ancient humans had a high level of mastery over pyrotechnics, despite the harsh environments they lived in.
The team’s analysis indicates that wood was the primary fuel source during this period, with spruce wood being specifically used. Animal bones or fat may have also been used to keep fires burning. The researchers found that all three fireplaces were open and flat, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of how to use fire in different ways depending on the season.
The discovery sheds new light on the importance of fire for ice age hunter-gatherers in Europe. While there is still much to be learned, this find highlights the critical role that fire played in human evolution. By studying ancient fireplaces, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how it helped our species become dominant.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/ice-age-humans-built-sophisticated-193000240.html