
Rare Fossil Unearthed During Flood Control Construction
A construction crew in Mattersburg made a remarkable prehistoric discovery while working on a flood control reservoir by the Wulka River—a massive tusk, over 1.8 meters in length. According to initial reports from ORF Burgenland, the tusk may belong to an early species of steppe elephant, a predecessor of the mammoth. Although a detailed paleontological report is still pending, the find has already garnered significant attention. Mattersburg’s city officials confirmed the discovery on Tuesday.
The tusk, buried several meters underground for thousands of years, was uncovered by workers who were creating flood protection measures. Local archaeologist Dorothea Talaa was called to the site and reported her astonishment at the discovery, telling ORF, “When I arrived and saw the tusk, I couldn’t believe it. I never dreamed of finding something like this.”
Ancient Tusk Likely 30,000 Years Old
While the exact age of the tusk remains to be verified, preliminary estimates suggest it could be at least 30,000 years old. Initially, experts believed it could belong to a European forest elephant, but consultation with paleontologists at the University of Vienna suggests it is likely from an earlier steppe elephant species. According to Talaa, a find of this nature is unprecedented in Austria, with comparable fossils discovered only in Germany.
Aside from the tusk, no other artifacts were found at the site. Talaa, however, remains hopeful that additional discoveries, potentially even evidence of prehistoric human activity, might still emerge, noting that “Mattersburg was a central prehistoric area with fertile land and a favorable climate.”
Future Display and Local Excitement
The tusk is set to be fully unearthed, preserved, and later exhibited in a new museum planned for Mattersburg. Mattersburg Mayor Claudia Schlager expressed excitement over the discovery, stating, “Excavations in our city often reveal historical artifacts, from pottery and jewelry to burial sites. But this tusk is truly a unique testament to our region’s ancient history.” Schlager emphasized the goal of keeping the artifact in Mattersburg and making it accessible to the public.