Archaeological excavations at the Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa have uncovered burned animal bones dating back between one and nearly two million years. This discovery pushes back the earliest known evidence of controlled fire use by hominins by approximately one million years. Previously, the earliest widely accepted evidence of fire usage dated back around 400,000 years. The findings suggest that our ancestors may have harnessed fire significantly earlier in human history than previously thought. Researchers analyzed the bones and surrounding sediment to determine the age and nature of the burning. The cave’s unique geological properties aided in the preservation of these ancient remains. This research challenges existing theories about the cognitive and technological capabilities of early hominins and their relationship with fire.