The Widespread Exploitation of Straight-Tusked Elephants by Neanderthals
Archaeologists from MONREPOS, the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz and Leiden University have recently learned that around 125,000 years ago, Neanderthals hunted straight-tusked elephants
Archaeologists have unveiled groundbreaking discoveries shedding light on the behavior of Neanderthals, revealing their involvement in hunting and butchering straight-tusked elephants (Palaeoloxodon antiquus) during the Pleistocene period. This revelation, stemming from the collaborative efforts of MONREPOS, the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, and Leiden University, delineates a significant facet of Neanderthal subsistence strategies dating back around 125,000 years ago.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1b5ab9a7-57be-4e6f-a818-d9effc56bf9b.heic)
Archaeological Revelations
At the core of this groundbreaking revelation lies an intriguing archaeological find in northern Europe, notably the Neumark-Nord site. Here, meticulous analysis revealed a pattern of extensive straight-tusked elephant exploitation, with a particular focus on adult males. This butchering activity, distinguished by its scale and precision, stands unparalleled in the archaeological records, marking a pivotal moment in understanding Neanderthal behaviors.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Anthropology.net to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.