Systematics, taphonomy and palaeobiogeography of a balaenopterid (Cetacea, Mysticeti) from the Early Pleistocene of southern Italy

•One of the most complete Pleistocene cetacean skeletons ever found is reported.•Taphonomic data detail the story of the carcass of this whale before its final burial.•This fossil helps to reconstruct the Mediterranean Quaternary baleen whale fauna.•Diversity and disparity of this fauna is strictly linked to palaeoceanographic changes.