Prehistoric artists lived deep in dark caves and decorated them with various images. Scientists from
Archaeologists from the University of Cantabria put themselves in the shoes of their ancestors. They tried to illuminate their path in the cave using the same devices that ancient people had.
Researchers have collected archaeological data onhow torches and oil lamps were made during the Paleolithic era. After collecting all the data, they created their own ancient lamps. And to test how well they work, the team went to the Isunza I cave in the Basque region of Spain.
Archaeologists have tested the possibilities one by onetorches made of juniper wood, birch bark, pine resin, ivy vines. In addition, they used stone lamps using deer and cow bone marrow. After conducting an experiment, the scientists evaluated the pros and cons of a juniper and oak fire pit.
A set of photographs of the experiment with a stone lamp. Credit: Medina-Alcaide et al., 2021, PLOS ONE.
As a result, the team discovered that the torches fromseveral rods tied together were best for helping people explore caves or traverse wide spaces in the dark. Such torches gave light at a distance of six meters. Nor did they blind those who carried the torches. And this despite the fact that the light from them was five times more intense than from an oil lamp. In addition, the torches were easy to carry, and the branches lasted 40 minutes.
Animal fat oil lamps were best suited for lighting small spaces. In addition, they provided light for over an hour. But moving around the cave with them was extremely inconvenient.
As for the fire with juniper and oak wood, there was a lot of smoke from it, and its duration was short-lived - no more than half an hour.
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