What new evidence proves Hannibal marched elephants over the Alps?

Archaeologists discovered a 10-centimeter elephant carpal bone in Cordoba, Spain, which has been carbon-dated to the 4th-3rd centuries BC.

Where was the elephant bone that potentially proves Hannibal's march found?

The elephant bone was found in Cordoba, Spain, at a site called Colina de los Quemados, which shows signs of a battle.

What other artifacts were found near the elephant bone?

Near the elephant bone, archaeologists found spherical stone balls, heavy arrowheads, and Carthaginian coins dating to the Second Punic War.

Home / Science / Elephant Bone Proves Hannibal's Alpine March!

Elephant Bone Proves Hannibal's Alpine March!

6 Feb

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Summary

An elephant bone found in Spain provides evidence of Hannibal's army.
Carbon dating places the bone's origin in the 4th-3rd centuries BC.
Artifacts suggest a battle occurred at the discovery site.

Elephant Bone Proves Hannibal's Alpine March!

A significant archaeological find in Cordoba, Spain, has provided the first direct physical evidence supporting the historical accounts of Hannibal marching elephants over the Alps. Researchers discovered a 10-centimeter carpal bone from an elephant's forefoot.

Carbon dating of a small sample places the elephant's death between the late fourth and early third centuries BC, a period coinciding precisely with the Second Punic War. This discovery offers tangible proof of Hannibal's use of these formidable war machines.

Further excavations at the site, known as Colina de los Quemados, revealed evidence of a destructive battle. Artifacts including spherical stone balls used in artillery, heavy arrowheads, and coins minted between 237 and 206 BC strongly suggest a confrontation with Carthaginian troops.