Story perspectives

Neanderthals Mastered Fire 400,000 Years Ago, Study Reveals

12/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

Neanderthals made fires around 400,000 years ago, according to a Nature study.
The finding predates prior evidence by about 350,000 years.
The site shows repeated use of flint and pyrite near a watering hole.
Nick Ashton from the British Museum notes that fire mastery could have improved diet and provided protection from predators.
The study also highlights environmental factors that obscure evidence, complicating efforts to trace early fire history.

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Story summary

Neanderthals made fires around 400,000 years ago, according to a Nature study.
The finding predates prior evidence by about 350,000 years.
The site shows repeated use of flint and pyrite near a watering hole.
Nick Ashton from the British Museum notes that fire mastery could have improved diet and provided protection from predators.
The study also highlights environmental factors that obscure evidence, complicating efforts to trace early fire history.