Neanderthals Made Fire 400,000 Years Ago in Suffolk
Archaeologists have discovered evidence that Neanderthals were making fire 400,000 years ago at Barnham, Suffolk, pushing back the earliest known human-controlled fire by 350,000 years. The site, a former clay pit, yielded flint tools with heat damage and non-native pyrite (fool's gold) used to create sparks. This predates Homo sapiens' migration from Africa. Professor Nick Ashton of the British Museum called it the most remarkable discovery of his career. The findings suggest Neanderthals gathered around campfires for toolmaking, cooking, and social bonding, with implications for understanding human evolution.
Key facts
- Earliest evidence of human-made fire found at Barnham, Suffolk, dating to 400,000 years ago.
- Previous earliest evidence was 50,000 years ago from a site in northern France.
- Non-native pyrite was intentionally brought to the site to strike against flint for sparks.
- Heat-damaged flint shards indicate repeated fire use for toolmaking.
- The discovery predates Homo sapiens leaving Africa, implicating Neanderthals.
- Site also yielded bones of elephants, macaque monkeys, fish, and bison.
- Two distinct toolmaking traditions were identified at the site.
- Professor Nick Ashton and Dr. Rob Davis of the British Museum led the research.
Entities
Institutions
- British Museum
- Pathways to Ancient Britain
Locations
- Barnham
- Suffolk
- United Kingdom
- France