Hikers in the Italian Alpes discovered what scientists believe to be a prehistoric ecosystem that existed before the age of dinosaurs
A regular hiking trip turned into an extraordinary day of archaeological discovery for a couple who stumbled upon prehistoric footprints dating back millions of years in the Italian Alps.
Claudia Steffensen and her husband were enjoying a hike through the majestic Italian Alps last summer when Claudia noticed peculiar markings on a rock. She described them as “strange designs” that caught her attention. “It was a scorching hot day, and we decided to escape the heat by heading to the mountains,” Claudia recounted to the Guardian. “As we were making our way back down, we had to tread carefully along the path. My husband was walking ahead, focused on the trail, while I was looking down at my feet. When I stepped on a rock that felt more like cement, I noticed these circular designs with wavy lines. Upon closer inspection, I realized they were footprints.”
The finding was quickly shared with experts for further study. Claudia first sent a photo of the footprints to a photographer friend specializing in the natural world. The photographer then reached out to Cristiano Dal Sasso, a paleontologist at the Museum of Natural History in Milan, who consulted with other experts in the field. The footprints, revealed by melting snow and ice, were identified as belonging to a prehistoric reptile.
Subsequent expeditions to the area have unearthed hundreds more fossilized footprints of prehistoric reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Fossils of plants, seeds, and even imprints of raindrops have also been discovered, adding to the richness of the site’s history.
The fossilized footprints date back to the Permian period, which occurred between 251 and 299 million years ago, predating the existence of dinosaurs. This era ended in a catastrophic extinction event that wiped out 90% of marine species and 70% of land animals, marking it as one of the planet’s most devastating events.
“Dinosaurs had not yet emerged, but the creatures responsible for the largest footprints must have been quite sizable – up to 2-3 meters in length,” Dal Sasso remarked in a statement.
The discovery site, now dubbed “Rock Zero,” continues to be a focal point for ongoing research. Various relics from the area have been brought to the Natural History Museum in Milan for public display, allowing visitors to marvel at the ancient wonders that have been uncovered.
Claudia expressed her pride in being part of such a significant discovery. “I feel incredibly honored, especially to have played a small role in advancing scientific knowledge,” she shared with the Guardian.
The exploration and study of “Rock Zero” persist, shedding light on the Earth’s distant past and offering a glimpse into the creatures that once roamed the land millions of years ago.
By Ashlyn Messier
