The fossil from the Messel pit near Darmstadt, embedded in epoxy resin, dates back to the EOCENE era and is around 48 million years old, format with frame 44 x 48 cm. The shell of the soft-shelled turtle (scientific name: Allacochelys) is around 20 x 18 cm. The pit was the first German natural monument to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995. A maar crater with a lake had formed 50 million years ago due to volcanic activity and the climate was tropical. Carcasses were particularly well preserved in the oxygen-poor mud. Prehistoric horses, crocodiles, birds, fish and even an anteater were found. After the end of the extraction of oil shale in open-cast mining, long-term planning for a large waste disposal site began in 1971, but was prevented at the last moment by numerous protests. During a visit, I had the opportunity to observe two teams of archaeologists carrying out excavations (which are still ongoing). [hint: this is an automatic translation from German]   |   Category: Fossilizations   |   Material: Stein   |   Country of origin: Hesse, Germany | Similar pieces