In 2019, archaeologists unearthed a small bone fragment from a non-native animal in Córdoba, Spain, later identified as an elephant bone dating back 2,200 years. The discovery, which also included other military artifacts, suggests that this elephant could have been one of the war elephants utilized by the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca during the Second Punic War, the most significant conflict between Rome and Carthage (present-day Tunisia). If validated, this would represent the first direct evidence of the use of elephants in warfare in Spain and Western Europe.

Hannibal's military campaigns are historic for their audacity, particularly the famed journey across the Alps with war elephants to attack Rome. The significance of this new find could reshape the understanding of military strategies employed during this period, including how non-native species, such as elephants, were strategically utilized in warfare. The implications extend beyond historical understanding, prompting a deeper exploration of how ancient civilizations mobilized resources in battle.

The recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports presents detailed findings that underline the importance of this discovery. It not only confirms Hannibal's use of war elephants in a region where such practices were previously undocumented but also adds a new layer to the complex history of ancient warfare in Europe, inviting further archaeological investigation to explore the extent and impact of these practices.