Thousands of dinosaur footprints dating back 210 million years have been found in a national park in northern Italy.
The footprints - some of which are up to 40cm (15in) in diameter - are aligned in parallel rows, and many show clear traces of toes and claws.
It is thought the dinosaurs were prosauropods - herbivores with long necks, small heads and sharp claws.
I never would have imagined I'd come across such a spectacular discovery in the region where I live, said Milan-based paleontologist Cristiano Dal Sasso.
Last September, a photographer spotted the footprints stretching hundreds of meters on a vertical mountain wall in the Stelvio National Park, north-east of Milan.
In the Triassic period - between about 250 and 201 million years ago - the wall was a tidal flat, which later became part of the Alpine chain.
Mr. Dal Sasso noted, This place was full of dinosaurs; it's an immense scientific treasure. The herds moved in harmony, indicating complex behaviors like gathering in circles possibly for defense.
Elio Della Ferrera, the photographer who discovered the site, expressed hope that it would prompt reflection on how little we know about our planet. He emphasized that the area is remote and inaccessible by paths, leading to plans for utilizing drones and remote sensing technology in further exploration.
The discovery holds cultural significance as the Stelvio National Park prepares to host Winter Olympics events next year, symbolizing a unique connection between ancient history and modern sporting history.
