How did ancient people keep warm in the winter?

Question

I know they had fire and animal skins and clothes to keep them warm, but I'm sure they still would've been really cold. Where I'm at its minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and even with gloves, a jacket, and all the winter gear I'm still cold. How did they handle the cold?

Answer 1

Some scholars suggest that they only moved into colder climes once they figured out how to stay warm. Fire was believed to have been first used by proto-humans about 500,000 years ago.

Answer 2

Additionally to was has been said before, it is remarkable to notice, that Aborigines can withstand the very cold nights in the Australian desert without any accomodations. They can just lay down and sleep. Most people who would imitate this and renounce a sleeping bag, would probably have some fingers frozen off. The secret behind this is, that their skin gets flowed with much more blood, thus keeping themselves warm. It is possible, that our ancestors had a similar physiognomy. (But, we can't know for sure.)

Furthermore, some archeaological evidence suggests, that Homo erectus already had elaborate clothing.

Also, the domestication of the dog could have have been related to their ability, to keep oneself warm :-) This is btw also a trick used by Aborigines.

In the early neolithic ages (in europe, at least), the houses were very big. Animals were kept inside the house thus providing heat on cold days. The Inuits Igloos are very comfy, too. All in all, Appropriate housing, clothing and nutrition (to have enough energy throughout the day) are all able to provide enough heat to keep us warm. Humans are very inventive, you know.

Answer 3

Once they discovered fire, all was well. They slept right up near the fire.... where it was 90 degrees and above. Remember, they were in a cave so there were no drafts. They kept that fire going all night.... and animal skins are much much warmer than the blankets on our beds. Imagine trying to sleep under leather or fur. Very warm !! And, they slept snuggled up next to each other for body warmth. It wasn't necessarily a sexual thing.... although, no doubt, a lot of that went on, too, in front of that cozy fire.

Answer 4

The thing that people forget about the ancient people and the working class people who lived just 100 years ago is that they were tougher and more resilient then the average person today. They had to survive through constant cold, hunger, and disease. The average modern day wimp would not stand a chance back then.

Answer 5

Hello =)

Well.....most ancients didn't live where it got to -15 F....

In the few places where they did, they built big houses, and everyone slept in the same room, with a fire going. It got cold, but stayed above freezing inside......

In the Nordic lands, Great Halls were built, with openings in the roof...the floors were made of stone, and a great huge fire was built in the center....I imagine it got quite warm........ Clans of 50-100 people inhabited these halls in winter. Needless to say, it was a big party for most of the winter....LOL

Namaste,

--Tom

Answer 6

Lots of fur and the creation of fire kept em warm but they also went in caves which insulated the heat from the fire. They probably also had tougher skin and were less susceptable to cold.

Answer 7

Neanderthals, who were around for the last ice age, had rib cages that flared out this allowed them to retain het well. Also fires skins and caves were used for protection from the elements and to keep warm

Answer 8

Actually the guy who said rum, hit on something there.

People have been producing alcoholic beverages forever. since water was not always the safest thing to drink, and since is is relatively easy to produce. Basically let fruit ferment then boil it in water and you have booze that was quite intoxicating.

And if your familiar with Alcohol it has a warming effect.

Answer 9

I examine your earlier question.The compassionate procedure action will be to take this older cat to a no kill rescue team the position he will locate a mushy warmth abode it truly is loose from those with alergies and the position his existence will be prolonged.

Answer 10

Fire and animal skins