Eppelsheim 2000 - new discoveries at a classic locality

First scientific excavations at the classic mammal locality of Eppelsheim carried out by the Senckenberg Research Institute during the years 1996 - 2000 are described (Senckenberg research project no. 150: Franzen & Storch). They resulted in the discovery of the first flora and determinable micromammals (Talpa vallesensis, Plesiosorex aff. schaffneri, Crusafontina sp.) as well as a phalange of a large hominoid (cf. Dryopithecus sp.) from that locality. The excavations also delivered new aspects for understanding the early formation of the Rhine river system.