Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Stone Age Humans Mastered Fire in Extreme Cold

4/14/2025

50 6

Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study from Ukraine's Korman’ 9 site uncovers that Stone Age humans harnessed fire during the Last Glacial Maximum, approximately 23,000 years ago. Researchers discovered advanced hearths reaching temperatures of 600°C, fueled by spruce wood. This revelation challenges the notion of human retreat in extreme cold, highlighting remarkable adaptability and fire management skills in unforgiving conditions.

1 of 1

Story summary

A groundbreaking study from Ukraine's Korman’ 9 site uncovers that Stone Age humans harnessed fire during the Last Glacial Maximum, approximately 23,000 years ago. Researchers discovered advanced hearths reaching temperatures of 600°C, fueled by spruce wood. This revelation challenges the notion of human retreat in extreme cold, highlighting remarkable adaptability and fire management skills in unforgiving conditions.