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Health & Science2h 55m ago
A new study has uncovered evidence that early human ancestors were using fire in South Africa's Wonderwerk Cave between 1.07 and 1.79 million years ago.
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Wonderwerk Cave, South Africa
Who
early human ancestors, Dr. Liora Kolska Horwitz, Prof Michael Chazan, international team of researchers
What
A new study has uncovered evidence that early human ancestors were using fire in South Africa's Wonderwerk Cave between 1.07 and 1.79 million years ago.
When
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:52:00 GMT · 2h 55m ago
Where
Wonderwerk Cave, South Africa ·
Why
Researchers found signs of repeated fire use deep inside the cave, far beyond the reach of natural wildfires, suggesting early humans brought naturally occurring fire into the cave and maintained it.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
This discovery significantly extends the known timeline for human interaction with fire, indicating a more ancient and sophisticated engagement with this vital tool than previously understood. It provides new insights into the behavioral achievements of early human ancestors and their role in harnessing one of the most important tools in human history.
Story chain
3 events in this thread- Health & Science2h 55m agoA new study has uncovered evidence that early human ancestors were using fire in South Africa's Wonderwerk Cave between 1.07 and 1.79 million years ago, extending the chronology of one of the earliest known records of fire use associated with hominins.Open article
- Currently Reading2h 55m agoA new study has uncovered evidence that early human ancestors were using fire in South Africa's Wonderwerk Cave between 1.07 and 1.79 million years ago.
- Health & Science3h 25m agoAn international team led in part by researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has uncovered evidence suggesting that early human ancestors were using fire in South Africa’s Wonderwerk Cave between 1.07 million and 1.79 million years ago.Open article