Answer:
Yes
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the modern times, energy consumption was vital in order to survive. For example, you need heat (thermal energy) to cook food and also be in a decent state of temperature for your body. If they had be never used energy, the generations wouldn't go on. Energy is our main source of living. Solar energy provides sunlight to plants so they can be grown healthily to provide nutritious fruits and vegetables.
To conclude, yes, people did use energy before the modern times otherwise, they would've not survived.