A permanent flame
In the center of Qesem Cave, archaeologists uncovered a large hearth, approximately 4 square meters, with layers of wood ash that show it was used repeatedly for a very long time. Analysis of the deposits, which date back at least 300,000 years, confirms this was not a temporary campfire. The thick, cemented layers of ash, burnt bone, and heated soil prove that hominins had mastered the control of fire. They maintained a flame in this specific spot over many generations. This discovery marks a shift from the opportunistic use of natural fires to the deliberate, sustained use of a domestic hearth.
The cave was occupied by a unique hominin lineage from roughly 420,000 to 200,000 years ago, during the Middle Pleistocene. The identity of these cave dwellers is still debated, as the few teeth found show a mix of features related to both Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens. Regardless of their precise classification, their behavior was remarkably advanced. The consistent use of a central hearth suggests it was a focal point for the group, like a modern campfire. This organization of space, with a dedicated area for fire-related activities, shows a high level of social and cognitive development.
The cave's workshop and kitchen
The area around the Qesem Cave hearth was a hub of activity. It functioned as a kitchen, butcher shop, and tool factory. Scientists found large quantities of burnt animal bones within the ash layers, clear evidence that meat was regularly cooked and consumed. The primary prey was fallow deer, supplemented by aurochs, horses, and wild pigs. Cut marks on the bones show that these animals were systematically butchered, with choice cuts of meat brought back to the cave for roasting.
Fire was also essential for their technology. The hominins at Qesem developed a sophisticated method of treating flint with heat before shaping it into tools. By carefully controlling the temperature, they could improve the stone's knappability, making it easier to create sharp, precise implements. Researchers discovered that flint destined for different tools was heated to different temperatures; blades were heated to around 259°C, while flakes were treated at a higher 413°C. This specialized heat treatment allowed for the production of an advanced toolkit for butchering prey and performing other tasks.