Located in the hills of northeastern Macedonia, Kokino is home to one of Europe’s oldest megalithic observatories. Dating back over 4,000 years, this ancient site holds many mysteries waiting to be uncovered by archaeologists and researchers.
Discovered in 2001 by Macedonian archaeologist Jovica Stankovski, Kokino has been described as a prehistoric archaeological site that served as an observatory for tracking the movements of the sun and moon. The site consists of two stone platforms, an altar, and markers that align with the summer and winter solstices, as well as the equinoxes. It is believed that the ancient inhabitants of Kokino used these markers to determine the changing seasons and align their agricultural and religious practices accordingly.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Kokino is the precision with which the ancient builders constructed the observatory. The stones are arranged in such a way that they create alignments with the sun and moon that are accurate to within 0.5 degrees. This level of precision was not common in other megalithic sites of the same time period, making Kokino a truly remarkable archaeological find.
In addition to its astronomical significance, Kokino also holds cultural and religious importance for the people who built and used the site. The presence of an altar at the center of the observatory suggests that rituals and ceremonies were performed there, possibly in connection with the changing seasons and celestial events.
Despite its age and cultural significance, Kokino remains relatively unknown to the wider world. The site has not received as much attention or research as other megalithic observatories, such as Stonehenge in England or Newgrange in Ireland. However, recent efforts have been made to raise awareness of Kokino and its importance in the study of prehistoric astronomy and civilization.
In 2013, Kokino was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. This designation has helped to bring more attention to the site and attract tourists and researchers from around the world.
As researchers continue to uncover the mysteries of Kokino, we may gain a better understanding of the ancient peoples who built and used the site, as well as their knowledge of astronomy and the natural world. By studying Kokino, we can learn more about the origins of human civilization and the ways in which ancient cultures interacted with and understood the world around them.
Overall, Kokino is a remarkable archaeological site that holds many secrets waiting to be discovered. As researchers continue to explore and study the site, we may uncover even more mysteries and insights into the ancient world of Europe’s oldest megalithic observatory.