Archaeologists have unearthed 400,000-year-old elephant bones near Rome, revealing that early humans crafted tools from the remains of massive prehistoric elephants. Using small stone tools, these ancient people are believed to have processed the bones of Palaeoloxodon antiquus, a species that could reach 4 meters in height and weigh up to 13 tons—even larger than woolly mammoths.
The discovery, made at the Casal Lumbroso site near Rome, is described as one of Europe’s best-preserved elephant butchery locations. Researchers uncovered over 300 bone fragments and 500 stone tools, dating back around 404,000 years. Despite the tools being less than 3 cm long, early humans managed to use them effectively for cutting meat and shaping larger bone implements.
The study, published in PLOS One, revealed fracture patterns consistent with human activity shortly after the animal’s death, suggesting the elephant was used both as a food source and as raw material for toolmaking. Some bones were intentionally shaped into tools through repeated striking and polishing.
Scientists believe the elephant likely died of natural causes, though a collective hunting scenario can’t be ruled out. The toolmakers were probably Homo heidelbergensis or Homo erectus, two species known for their adaptability and technical skill. The findings shed new light on early humans’ ability to repurpose natural materials and demonstrate how creativity and survival were deeply intertwined even hundreds of thousands of years ago.