Syrian elephant
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The Syrian elephant (Elephas maximus asurus) lived in Syria and Iran before becoming extinct by around 100 B.C.
Syrian elephants were among the largest elephants, measuring 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) or more at the shoulder.
Their massive weight and bulk made them useful as war elephants and they were some of the best. When the Roman General Publius Cornelius Scipio (BC 185-129) invaded Carthage and defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama in 202 BC, he found one of Hannibal's elephants and learned that is was known as "Sarus" which means "The Syrian." It was said to be his best elephant.
Ancient Syrian craftsmen used the tusks of E. m. asurus to make ivory carvings. In Syria, the production of ivory items was at its maximum during the first millennium B.C, when the Aramaeans made splendid ivory inlay for furniture. This overhunting of Syrian elephants for ivory ultimately resulted in their extinction.
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