Kokino (Macedonian: Кокино) is an important ancient observatory site discovered in 2001 in the northeastern Republic of Macedonia, approximately 30 km from the town of Kumanovo, near the village of Staro Nagorichane. It is situated 1013 m above sea level and covers an area within a 100-meter radius. It is believed that represents an astronomical observatory and a ceremonial place. The site is approximately 3800 years old.

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.

The importance of the site was confirmed by the U.S. space agency NASA. It has been ranked fourth on the list of old observatories released by NASA.

The first five according to NASA are:

1. Abu Simbel, Egypt
2. Stonehenge, Great Britain
3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
4. Kokino Republic of Macedonia
5. Goeck, Germany

See also

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Chochev Kamen, from Shopsko Rudare, Kratovo - another potential 4.000 years old megalithic observatory (authenticity not yet proven).

External links

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• Kokino - Rock Outcrop in Macedonia
• Megalithic Observatory Kokino
• Kokino observatory should be protected
• Ancient Observatories: Timeless Knowledge by NASA (pdf, 736 KB)

Archaeological sites in the Republic of Macedonia | Megalithic monuments

Кокино (локалитет)