Known as the Elasmotherium or the Giant Rhinoceros, this creature was believed to be way older than humanity, with detailed descriptions of them throughout history dating back to 2.6 million years ago.
But, recently a new fossil was discovered which only dates back to 29,000 years ago which definitely debunks that theory.
They were typically 2 meters (6.56ft) tall and 4.5m (14.76ft) long and they would usually weigh around 4 tons or so each.
The first discovery of one was made in 1808 by Johan Fischer von Waldheim. It was a lower jaw and it was donated to the museum by Yekaterina Romanovna Vorontsova-Dashkova.
The 29,000-year-old skull was discovered in March 2016 in the Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan. Many cultures have depictions of these ancient behemoths.
The Chinese K’i-lin for example mentioned it in their writings a lot as a beast that shouldn’t be meddled with.
A bronze vessel from the Warring states also showcased the being with its head down for grazing, horn protruding from the forehead, and a slumped posture.
Another depiction of them was uncovered by Vasily Radlov in 1866 among the Yakuts of Siberia who called it the “Huge Black Bull”.
Last but not least we have the medieval Northern Russia book of ballads known as “Golubinaia kniga” or “The book of the dove”. Here a supposed battle between the righteous unicorn and the lying lion is depicted.
