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2,200-Year-Old Elephant Bone Links Hannibal to Warfare

2/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Archaeologists in Spain found a 2,200-year-old elephant bone in Cordoba that may be the first physical evidence of Hannibal's war elephants.
The bone, from Colina de los Quemados, dates to the late 4th to early 3rd century BCE.
Researchers say the find supports historical accounts but is not definitive proof of elephants in battle.
The findings were published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.

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Story summary

Archaeologists in Spain found a 2,200-year-old elephant bone in Cordoba that may be the first physical evidence of Hannibal's war elephants.
The bone, from Colina de los Quemados, dates to the late 4th to early 3rd century BCE.
Researchers say the find supports historical accounts but is not definitive proof of elephants in battle.
The findings were published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.