Early humans placed the hearth at the optimal location in their cave – for maximum benefit and minimum smoke exposure

 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/941778

 

 News Release 31-Jan-2022

Early humans placed the hearth at the optimal location in their cave – for maximum benefit and minimum smoke exposure
Spatial planning in caves 170,000 years ago:
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Tel-Aviv University

 

A groundbreaking study in prehistoric archaeology at Tel Aviv University provides evidence for high cognitive abilities in early humans who lived 170,000 years ago. In a first-of-its kind study, the researchers developed a software-based smoke dispersal simulation model and applied it to a known prehistoric site. They discovered that the early humans who occupied the cave had placed their hearth at the optimal location – enabling maximum utilization of the fire for their activities and needs while exposing them to a minimal amount of smoke.

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