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What evidence can show that Homo erectus lived at a site even without human fossils?

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Side-view illustration of a Homo erectus individual, depicted with a robust, upright body covered in hair, walking with one arm bent. A scale bar beside the figure shows measurements in inches and centimeters. — Homo erectus Artist's rendering of *Homo erectus*, which lived from approximately 1,700,000 to 200,000 years ago.

Archaeologists can identify sites inhabited by Homo erectus even in the absence of human fossils by analyzing material remains left behind through their activities. Key evidence includes:

Stone Implements: The presence of manufactured stone tools and chips—such as those from the Chopper chopping-tool family or the Acheulean industry—serves as a primary indicator of human presence at a site.1
Faunal Remains: Excavations often reveal animal bones that have been deliberately broken or charred, suggesting that H. erectus processed meat at these locations.1
Dietary Evidence: Collections of seeds, such as hackberry seeds found in cave deposits, provide insight into the plant-based components of their diet.1
Fire-Related Indicators: While sometimes difficult to distinguish from natural sediment, the presence of burned bones or potential hearths and charcoal can indicate the use of fire for warmth or food preparation.1

These artifacts, revealed through excavation, allow researchers to infer that these locations served as encampments or activity sites.1