Ice Age Humans Mastered Fire to Survive Harsh Climates, New Research Confirms

Analysis of ancient hearths in Ukraine reveals advanced fire control and resource management during the Last Glacial Maximum.

Researchers analyzed three wood-fired hearths at the Korman’ 9 site in Ukraine, dating back to 23,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Maximum.
The fires reached temperatures exceeding 600°C, demonstrating sophisticated pyrotechnic skills for cooking, warmth, and tool-making in extreme cold.
Charcoal analysis identified spruce wood as the primary fuel, with ongoing investigations into whether animal bones were intentionally used as supplementary fuel.
Findings challenge previous assumptions that humans retreated to southern refuges during glacial peaks, showing adaptation to northern environments through fire mastery.
Advanced geoarchaeological techniques, including micromorphology and colorimetric analysis, were crucial in reconstructing ancient fire use and seasonal occupation patterns.