Fire among Neanderthals
Résumé
The ability to make and use fire can be considered as a behavioural threshold in human evolution. The aim of this chapter is to present an overview of the research on fire among Neanderthals. We compiled and reviewed the archaeological evidence and scientific studies on the topic, including different methodological approaches, theoretical considerations about the complexity of fire as an element of technology, and different interpretations regarding the Neanderthals’ ability to make fire. Approaching fire as an artefact through experimental research, ethnography, and archaeology at different scales of observation and using different methods has furnished a robust data set that allows us to objectively interpret Neanderthal behaviour around fire, such as in fuel gathering, fire lighting, use, and reuse. This research paves the way to identify cultural aspects of pyrotechnology and understand Neanderthal social behaviour around fire.