New findings suggest that ancient humans were using fire a
million years ago for cooking. That is about 300,000 years
earlier than previously believed. Researchers made the discovery
after finding traces of ash alongside animal bones and stone
tools in the Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa. This cave as a
very long history of human occupation. Prior to the researchers
discovering evidence of fire used for cooking, it was believed
that early humans had only started using fire to cooking 800,000
years ago. Evidence of the fire showing charred bones and ashes
from burn plant material was discovered in the cave. The
material is believed to have been used locally rather than
carried into the cave by wind or water. The ash was discovered
100 feet inside the cave and there was evidence of surface
discoloration that would be expected after something was burned.
[via TG Daily]