Context:

A recent study published in January 2026 highlights the discovery of a 2,000-year-old elephant carpal bone in Cordoba, Spain, linked to the Second Punic War. Radiocarbon dating places it between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE, suggesting significant implications for understanding the role of elephants in ancient warfare. The findings, which include traces of an industrial area and artillery stones, provide rare physical evidence of elephants used as war machines during this period, a concept previously supported only by artistic and literary sources. This discovery enriches our knowledge of military practices in ancient Europe and underscores the historical significance of such findings. Future research may delve deeper into the implications of this evidence for broader historical narratives.

Dive Deeper:

• The elephant bone was discovered at the Colina de los Quemados site in 2020, after extensive analysis confirmed it as a carpal bone of an elephant.

• The study's radiocarbon dating suggests the bone dates back to the 4th or 3rd centuries BCE, aligning with the timeline of the Second Punic War.

• In addition to the elephant bone, the site revealed artifacts such as up to 12 spherical stone balls, indicating a military context likely related to the war.

• The significance of this find is underscored by the rarity of elephant remains in European archaeology, making this discovery exceptionally important.

• Prior to this study, knowledge of elephants in warfare was primarily derived from documentary and iconographic evidence, lacking physical proof.

• The historical context includes Hannibal's famous crossing of the Swiss Alps during the Second Punic War against Rome, showcasing the strategic use of elephants.