Nestled in the hills of northwestern Macedonia, near the town of Kumanovo, lies one of the world’s oldest and most enigmatic archaeological sites – Kokino, the ancient megalithic observatory. Discovered in 2001, this site dates back to the Bronze Age, around the 19th-17th centuries BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
Kokino is believed to have been used by the ancient inhabitants of the area as an observatory for tracking celestial events such as solstices, equinoxes, and lunar standstills. The site consists of stone megaliths, stone thrones, and markers that are positioned in such a way that they align with the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. These alignments indicate that the people who built Kokino had a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and were able to accurately track the movements of celestial bodies.
One of the most intriguing features of Kokino is the “thrones” that are carved into the stones at the site. These thrones are believed to have been used by the priests or rulers of the ancient society for observing and interpreting the movements of the heavens. The thrones are positioned in such a way that they align with the summer and winter solstices, suggesting that the ancient people of Kokino had a deep reverence for the sun and its cycles.
In addition to the thrones, Kokino also features stone markers that are thought to have been used as a calendar system for tracking the movements of the sun and moon. The markings on these stones are believed to represent the positions of the sun and moon at different times of the year, allowing the ancient astronomers of Kokino to predict astronomical events and plan their agricultural activities accordingly.
Despite its significance, Kokino remains relatively unknown to the rest of the world. The site is not as well-known or as well-studied as other ancient observatories such as Stonehenge or Chichen Itza. However, recent efforts have been made to uncover the mysteries of Kokino and to raise awareness of its importance.
In 2005, Kokino was added to the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. Since then, archaeologists and researchers have been working to understand more about the site and its inhabitants. Excavations and studies have revealed that Kokino was likely a religious and ceremonial center, where rituals and observations of the heavens took place.
As interest in Kokino grows, efforts are being made to preserve and protect the site for future generations. The Macedonian government has designated Kokino as a protected archaeological site, and measures are being taken to ensure its conservation and accessibility to visitors. In recent years, a visitor center has been built near the site, providing information and guided tours for those interested in learning more about this ancient wonder.
Kokino, the ancient megalithic observatory, continues to fascinate and mystify archaeologists and astronomers alike. Its precise alignments and sophisticated astronomical knowledge demonstrate the ingenuity and intelligence of the ancient people who built it. As research and exploration at Kokino continue, we can only hope to uncover more of its secrets and gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable ancient site.
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