Early humans navigated the frigid Ice Age using a seldom-seen method for igniting fires, as uncovered by a 26,000-year-old discovery.
Discovery of Ancient Fireplaces Sheds Light on Ice Age Survival
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers in Vienna have unearthed three fireplaces from the coldest period of the Ice Age, known as the Last Glacial Maximum. These fireplaces, dating back between 26,500-19,000 years ago, offer valuable insights into the technology used by early homo sapiens during this harsh period.
The fireplaces, found in Ukraine, were used at different times of the year during annual migrations, according to Philip R. Nigst. The fires reached temperatures of over 1112 degrees Fahrenheit, showcasing the early humans' mastery of pyrotechnics.
The fireplaces provide a wealth of information about the technology used by these ancient humans. Spruce wood was the primary fuel source during the peak of the Ice Age. Scientists employed advanced technologies such as microstratigraphic analysis, micromorphology, and colorimetric analysis to find signs of fire and determine the fuel sources.
Marjolein D. Bosch is investigating whether the wood was used as fuel or if it was accidentally burned. The discovery of simple, flat, wood-fired hearths of different sizes within the fireplaces suggests that the fires were intentionally maintained for warmth, cooking, and protection.
The findings raise questions about the "puzzling" period when homo sapiens might have innovated their methods to beat the cold. The lack of other fireplaces found is leaving researchers puzzled about the reasons for this. Possibilities such as destruction of evidence due to freezing and thawing of the soil, or reliance on other technological solutions instead of fire, are being considered.
One of the fireplaces generated higher temperatures due to being larger and thicker, suggesting that early humans had a good understanding of fire management and fuel selection. The controlled use of fire was a crucial technological advancement that enabled survival in glacial conditions.
The broader climate dynamics like orbital changes (Milankovitch cycles) and ice sheet expansion drove the glacial conditions. However, humans adapted to these conditions through improved fire technology and shelter use to mitigate the cold.
While the specific innovations in fire-starting tools during the Last Glacial Maximum are yet to be detailed, ethnographic and archaeological studies suggest that fire drills, fire ploughs, and flint striking were used around this time or earlier, representing significant technological advancements in generating and controlling fire under challenging Ice Age environments.
In summary, the discovery of these fireplaces offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors during the Last Glacial Maximum. The controlled use of fire maintained in shelters was a crucial technological advancement that enabled survival in the extreme cold. The technological advancements in fire use focused on better management, hearth construction, fuel selection, and shelter integration to maximize heat retention and safety in Ice Age conditions.
- The discovery of these ancient fireplaces illustrates the role of technology in helping early humans survive during the Last Glacial Maximum.
- The innovation of fire management and fuel selection was a key scientific breakthrough that allowed homo sapiens to cope with the harsh conditions of the Ice Age.
- The use of advanced technologies like microstratigraphic analysis, micromorphology, and colorimetric analysis provided insights into the fuel sources and methods of fire maintenance.
- The discovery also underlines the importance of cybersecurity in preserving evidence of our past, as the lack of other fireplaces found might be attributed to destruction due to freezing and thawing of the soil.
