Elephant bone found in Spain linked to Hannibal's war elephants

March 01, 2026BioarchaeologyNew Research

Site mentioned

📍 Hill of the Burned

Elephant carpal bone from Córdoba, Spain dated 2,200 years ago—could be the first archaeological evidence of Punic War elephants in Europe. 🐘

Key facts:

- Carpal bone from elephant's right front foot found at the Hill of the Burned site near Córdoba, Spain

- Dated to approximately 2,200 years ago using radiocarbon dating

- First direct archaeological evidence of elephants tied to the Second Punic War in Europe

- Found alongside 12 spherical stone balls used in stone-thrower artillery

- Researchers link it to Carthaginian forces under Hannibal

Carpal bone from elephant's right front foot found at Hill of the Burned site in Cordoba, Spain
Dated to 2300-2200 years ago using radiocarbon dating
This is the first archaeological evidence of elephants tied to the Punic Wars in Europe
Found with 12 spherical stone balls used in stone-thrower artillery
Roman historian Pliny the Elder documented Alexandria on the Tigris as major trade center
site shows organized urban grid with temples, workshops, and harbor system
Other potential explanations (Numidian elephants, gladiator games) don't match dating evidence
Bone indicates animal likely died early in campaign, though Cordoba is off Hannibal's route to Rome