Archaeologists Identify Elephant Bone Linked to Ancient Warfare in Spain

Researchers have reported the first direct physical evidence of Carthaginian war elephants in the Iberian Peninsula, following the discovery of an elephant bone at an archaeological site near Córdoba, Spain.

The bone, identified as a third carpal from the right forelimb of an elephant, was uncovered at the Colina de los Quemados site. The find was located beneath a collapsed adobe wall within a fortified Iberian settlement, indicating its preservation in a destruction context.

Radiocarbon analysis determined that the bone dates to approximately 2,250 years ago, aligning with the Second Punic War period between 218 and 201 BCE. In the same archaeological layer, researchers also found spherical stone projectiles and Carthaginian coins, which point to military activity at the site.

Comparative anatomical studies were conducted to confirm the identification of the bone as the third carpal of an elephant. These analyses compared the specimen with bones from Asian elephants and steppe mammoths, supporting its classification as an elephant bone.

What the numbers show

• The bone measures about 10 centimeters in length
• Radiocarbon dating places the find at around 2,250 years old
• The Second Punic War occurred from 218 to 201 BCE

According to researchers, this discovery is the first direct physical evidence of Carthaginian war elephants in Western Europe. Prior to this, only textual, iconographic, or indirect traces of such animals had been documented in the region.

The archaeological context, which included a destruction layer and associated artifacts, supports the interpretation of military activity during the relevant historical period. However, the researchers stated that the bone alone cannot conclusively determine the species of elephant or directly associate it with Hannibal’s forces.

The study describing the discovery and its analysis was published in the February 2026 edition of the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. This publication provides detailed findings and contextual information about the site and associated artifacts.

Researchers have emphasized the importance of continued investigation to further clarify the role of elephants in ancient military campaigns in the Iberian Peninsula. The current evidence adds to the understanding of Carthaginian presence and warfare in the region during the Second Punic War.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.