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Highlights

• Charcoal was recovered from the Acheulian site of Gesher Benot Ya'aqov.

• Analysis identified early Middle Pleistocene trees, shrubs, sedges and reeds.

• Taxonomy included Fraxinus , Vitis , Olea , Quercus , Pistacia , and Punica granatum .

• Identified habitats included lakeshore, open woodland, and semi-open woodland.

• Acheulian hominins gathered firewood from available driftwood.

Abstract

The control of fire offered early hominins significant advantages, yet its identification in early archaeological sites is challenging. A new anthracological study at the early Middle Pleistocene site of Gesher Benot Ya'aqov (GBY) offers valuable insights from an exceptionally large assemblage of charcoal. Taxonomic analysis reveals a diverse range of habitats, including species such as Fraxinus , Salix , Vitis , Nerium , Olea , Quercus , Pistacia , and Punica granatum .…