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Early Europeans butchered elephants and made tools from their bones 400,000 years ago - Daily Star
New research reveals that early Europeans butchered straight-tusked elephants for meat and tools in central Italy 400,000 years ago, showcasing advanced survival strategies of ancient humans.
- Analysis of archaeological sites near modern Rome uncovered consistent evidence of ancient humans regularly butchering Palaeoloxodon, or straight-tusked elephants, for meat and tools.
- The findings date back to the Chibanian interglacial period, indicating that early humans adapted their hunting strategies to target large mammals in a changing climate.
- This research enhances our understanding of early human behavior, highlighting their resourcefulness in utilizing every part of the elephant for survival during the Pleistocene.
Why It Matters
This discovery sheds light on the complexities of early human life, revealing how ancient populations effectively exploited local megafauna. It underscores the adaptability of humans in prehistoric environments, informing our understanding of human evolution and survival strategies.