Control of Fire

The domestication of fire was one of the earliest and most significant cultural developments for humans. It affords illumination in darkness, warmth in cold conditions, protection from predators, and nutritional benefits when used to cook foods. Fire has been used in all known human societies, although a few peoples were reported to have not known how to make fire. Although humans may have adapted in various ways to fire, the making, controlling, and using of fire are cultural. No species outside the hominid line intentionally makes a fire. Evidence for the use of fire dates to 1,500k BP in both Africa and Asia, in association with Homo erectus. Even older evidence, in association with Homo ergaster, dates to 1,900k BP. Stronger evidence, still in association with Homo erectus, is widespread in Eurasia but with a wide range of later dates.