Ciampate del Diavolo, Archaeological site near Roccamonfina volcano, Italy
Ciampate del Diavolo is an archaeological site on the slopes of Roccamonfina volcano containing a sloped rock surface with three separate sets of human footprints preserved in volcanic deposits. The prints form distinct pathways, and some areas show where people pressed their hands against the steep incline for support.
The footprints date back roughly 350,000 years and were likely made by early humans, possibly Homo heidelbergensis, walking across cooling lava after a volcanic eruption. These remains represent some of the oldest known evidence of human movement preserved in stone.
Local people named these marks Devil's Footprints because they thought only supernatural beings could walk across burning volcanic ground without harm. This naming reflects how communities created stories to explain mysterious natural signs.
The site sits on a steeply angled hillside and requires sturdy footwear and care when navigating the rocky terrain, especially in wet weather. A visit goes smoothest when you take time to carefully examine the different markings, as details can easily be missed at first glance.
Some of the marks include handprints where individuals pressed their palms against the steep volcanic surface to avoid slipping. These hand impressions rank among the oldest known human hand prints ever preserved in stone.
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