A discovery in Oxford, UK, has shed new light on a prehistoric era that was thought to be well understood by the country’s dense population. Hundreds of archaeologists uncovered hundreds of dinosaur footprints frozen in time at Dewars Farm Quarry, just outside the University of Oxford.
The site, nicknamed ‘Britain’s Dinosaur Highway’, revealed over 200 ancient footprints dating back to the Middle Jurassic Period. The unique circumstances of the site, including a preserved substrate, have helped maintain an incredible level of detail. Researchers found evidence of mud deformation and other fossils, such as burrows, shells, and plants.
The discovery suggests that hundreds of dinosaurs, including the Megalosaurus and Cetiosaurus, roamed this area around 166 million years ago. The find has sparked excitement among scientists and dinosaur enthusiasts, with new technology allowing for a deeper understanding of the site.
Researchers have developed 3D models of the site using over 20,000 images of the footprints. These models will aid in safeguarding knowledge of the site into the future. An exhibition at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and a BBC documentary are also available to showcase the discovery.
The find highlights that our planet is always full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Source: https://twistedsifter.com/2025/01/under-the-surface-of-a-farm-in-oxford-uk-something-unusual-was-afoot-when-hundreds-of-archaeologists-moved-in-they-discovered-a-major-dinosaur-highway-preserved-underground