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Green Heritage. Giardini Margherita, the Etruscans and a Ruin Lizard, Podarcis siculus, Bologna, Italy

The history, downfall and rediscovery of the Etruscans (6th-4th BCE) in Italy is an amazing story. One of their localities was only discovered in the second half of the nineteenth century. When the count of Sambuy (1837-1909) set his expertise to landscape a park at Bologna (see right inset above) to be named for the King's wife - Margherita - lots of Etruscan monuments all in ruins were found. In the photo (left below inset) you can see one of the Etruscans' sepulchres.

Of course I examined it closely with Olymp's macro eye. And there it was - quick and fleeting - Podarcis siculus, Agile-footed Ruin Lizard! Just look at that distinguishing blue spot just behind its foreleg! That obviously reminded me of the Etruscan connection to ancient Egypt!

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Uploaded on July 4, 2019
Taken on July 3, 2019