article_snippet: Experts have long speculated that prehistoric tools were used to help early hunters kill and butcher animals but evidence to back up these claims has been lacking - until now.
article_snippet: And by replicating the flint tools for a modern butchering experiment themselves said the 'handaxe' was prehistoric man's 'Swiss army knife' - capable of breaking down bone, sinew and hide.
article_snippet: This analysis is said to be the first time proof of prehistoric butchery has been scientifically verified .
article_snippet: From this, The researchers were able to demonstrate for the first time direct proof of animal exploitation by flint tools. '
article_snippet: The invention of stone technology was a major breakthrough in human evolution.'
article_snippet: Fracturing rocks in order to butcher and cut animal meat is said to represent a key biological and cultural milestone. '
article_snippet: At the Revadim quarry we found butchered animal remains, including an elephant rib bone which had been neatly cut by a stone tool, alongside flint handaxes and scrapers still retaining animal fat,' continued Professor Barkai. ''
article_snippet: continued Professor Barkai became clear from further analyses that butchering and carcass processing indeed took place at this site.'
article_snippet: The experts said the 'handaxe' was the equivalent to a prehistoric 'Swiss army knife' (stock image) - capable of breaking down bone, sinew and hide .
article_snippet: Prehistoric peoples made use of all parts of the animal.
article_snippet: This is what we have found with the stone tools and animal bones.'
article_snippet: This is what we have found with the stone tools and animal bones'
highlights_snippet: This analysis is the first time proof of prehistoric butchery has been found .
  
highlights_snippet: And by replicating the flint tools for a modern butchering experiment, the researchers said the 'handaxe' was prehistoric man's 'Swiss army knife'
  the 'handaxe' would have been capable of cutting bone, tough sinew, and hide .
  