ABOUT 1.8 MILLION YEARS AGO:Appearance of Homo erectus:
A new species of hominid develops in Africa , this is homo erectus (the trained man ). He is so called because he walks completely straight and upright. At this time, the savannah was dry and sparsely treed. Homo erectus therefore had to learn to walk upright in order to be able to cross long distances more quickly without being attacked by wild animals.
- Brain even bigger than homo habilis .
- Follows herds of animals to new territories and explores the rest of Africa, Indonesia, China and Europe (about 500,000 years ago).
- Hunting, fishing and gathering.
- Protect yourself from the cold with animal skins.
- Makes hammers, bowls...
Domestication of fire by Homo erectus:
He tames the fires natural (like from lightning) but he is not able to make it himself. This marks a turning point in the history of man, because fire brings better living conditions and better protection:There are fewer deaths and the population increases.
Life improvements through the benefits of fire:
The fire keeps him warm at night. It also allows him to repel wild animals. Homo erectus can cook food that tastes better and is easier to chew! Thus his teeth have been reduced over time. As he eats more meat, he gets stronger, he grows taller and he develops a bigger brain. Thanks to the fire, it can light up at night and thus work outside the day. End of inactivity only at night! The fire also allows him to craft better tools and congregate in safer homes and anywhere.
Between the appearance of Homo habilis (about 2.5 million years ago) and Homo erectus (about 1.8 million years ago), 700,000 years passed.
Useful link:
Verdon Gorge Phehistory Museum