The discovery of two iron pyrite fragments at a clay pit in Barnham, Suffolk, has revealed that prehistoric humans were making fire over 400,000 years ago, significantly earlier than the previous record of 50,000 years ago in France. This finding, involving evidence of a hearth and heat-shattered tools, suggests early Neanderthals utilized the fire-making technique as they migrated to Britain. The research underscores the critical role of fire in human evolution, impacting diet and social interaction.
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