Hominids is a term that describes all the great apes, including humans. Therefore, the term is also used to describe the ancestors of humans that are now extinct. Fire allowed these early humans to cook their food, get warmth and protection from insects and predators. Moreover, making fire also allowed activity such as socializing, at night. Most likely, the use of fire also allowed hominids to adjust to colder climates.
A "lack of freedom for women" did not cause the decline of the Byzantine Empire, since women's role in society was not great enough to demand change on this kind of grand level.
