500,000-year-old elephant bone hammer shows ancient humans were master toolmakers
A 500,000‑year‑old elephant‑bone hammer unearthed in England rewrites Europe’s prehistoric toolmaking record.
What happened
Its age pushes back the timeline for sophisticated tool production by early humans and offers fresh insight into prehistoric life on the continent. The British team says the find revises expectations of hominin capabilities in ancient Britain.
Further study will examine comparable sites across Europe for additional bone implements.
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Questions people are asking
How old is the elephant‑bone hammer discovered in England?
The tool has been dated to about 500,000 years old.
What material is the hammer made from?
It is fashioned from an elephant’s bone, specifically ivory.
What function did the hammer serve according to the researchers?
Scientists say it was used to sharpen stone axes.
Coverage (4)
- 500,000-Year-Old Elephant Bone Tool Found in England Is Europe’s Oldest GreekReporter.com · 1d ago
- British scientists found out what a 500,000-year-old ivory tool was used for Наша Ніва · 1d ago
- A 480,000-Year-Old Elephant Bone Hammer Sharpened Stone Axes in Ancient Britain ZME Science · 1d ago
- 500,000-year-old elephant bone hammer shows ancient humans were master toolmakers ScienceDaily · 1d ago
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