TERRA INCOGNITA 

The Megalithic Observatory of Kokino

The Megalithic Observatory Kokino is located some thirty kilometers on the northeast of Kumanovo. This site has a diameter of 100 meters; it is scaled on two levels, underneath of the mountain peak Tatikev Kamen, at an altitude of 1013 m. At the moment of its discovery in 2001, it was believed to be a special mountain sanctuary from the Bronze Age. It is believed that represents an astronomical observatory and a ceremonial place. The site is approximately 3800 years old.Wider region registers great number of archaeological sites dated from the time of Neolith up to the Meddle Age indicating the history rich with important settlements, sanctuaries, events and people of at least 6000 years. The Megalithic Observatory Kokino spreads on both platforms each of them possessing own typical contents. Observatory length is around 90 metres and its width is around 50 metres. Kokino consists of two parts. It includes special stone markers used to track the movement of Sun and Moon on the eastern horizon. The observatory used a method of stationary observation, marking positions of the Sun at the winter and summer solstice, as well as the equinox. Thrones are the most impressive and can be immediately seen on the site. This provided the base for the archaeologists’ assumptions that from this place people observed the rise of celestial objects on the horizon. Despite this, the astronomical measurements and analyze had shown that the thrones are sacred and ritual places, but there is no link with the astronomical observations. Visiting this region on the left bank of the River Pchinja it is easy to notice the uncommon shape of the mountain pick Taticev Kamen, dominant on the east horizon. Specific form and natural fissures of the adenzite rocks enabled pre-historical people rellatvly easy to shape structures used as mountain sanctuary, as well as the elements of the megalithic observatory.  All these structures are placed on a two scale-like platforms with 20 metres of height difference.  Knowledge that people on Kokino monitored the movements of the Moon in very careful manner in long time periods imposes the question whether these ancient observers of the sky were familiar with the cycles of Sun and Moon eclipse. Experiences gained though the analyze of the organization of the observatory space, showed that for every special type of activity a special observation post and special stone markers were crafted towards the east horizon seen only from that post. Same principles were applied for monitoring the Sun and Moon eclipses. The precise work while crafting these markers, their good condition and preserved original shape and dimensions, as well as other unique elements (thrones, transhea, central position, ritual positions and etc.) as well as vast amount of archaeological material encountered the Ancient Observatory Kokino among the very ancient observatories in the world.