Imposing Archaeological Finding in Prilep Area – “Stonehenge” at Bonce Near Prilep Unearthed

(Dnevnik, 21.09.2007) – Stonehenge in Macedonia is the first impression when one sees an unusual tomb archaeologists have been unearthing from the firm claws of the earth for a month and a half. They say it is the only of the kind in the world and that one of the Macedonian kings was buried there. The tomb was supposed to have been raided in the antique period but scientists believe a part of the tomb has resisted greedy hands of tomb raiders for centuries. Archaeologists believe that one preserved chamber dates from the 4th century BC when a dignitary was buried there. Even if the chamber was empty, it is enough that a unique structure in the world - a Macedonian-type tomb encircled with a ring of massive stone blocks - has been found. The tomb is located in a region that has been very responsive for archaeology for the past year. The public remembers it for the remains of Macedonian shields that were unearthed near Bonce last year. The tomb is 900 meters away from the place the shields were discovered under Visoka Mountain. An arched part of the tomb is 11 meters long and 3 meters high. It was built in stone blocks without mortar. The blocks were processed with refinement, chiseled and joined together. They weigh 2-3 tons. A half of the ring-wall has been unearthed so far. Its west section consists of two rows of blocks and is 1.20 meters high. The east section of the ring has four rows of blocks and is 1.80 meters high. Archaeologists have also found an access to the tomb, a path chiseled in rock and then coated with large stone blocks. The path cascades to the arched part the floor of which was also chiseled in rock. “The tomb was encircled with the ring and earth was piled on it as a mound. The higher the mound, the buried person was more important. According to the way it was built, only a king could have been buried in there. There was no other man at the time, and even today, that could pay for such funeral. This is a tomb that is unique in the world. In its concept, it is similar to the Macedonian-type tombs as is that in Vergina, but with elements left from the Iron Age - the ring,” archaeologist and the head of excavations Antonio Jakimovski explains. “The circle symbolizes the Universe. The upper semicircle is the place where deities lived and the kings wanted to dwell,” says Viktor Lilcic, the head of the Visoka and Old Bonce Project. He adds the tomb was robbed in the 3rd century BC but has preserved its monumental appearance.

Four Markers for Observance of Lunar, Solar Eclipse Revealed at Kokino

Megalith Observatory Kokino

(MIA, 02.11.2007) - People possessing great knowledge of the Sun and the Moon, as well as the secret of their eclipse, had existed in the period between 18-20 centuries B.C. This people created a lunar calendar and organized its life according to it. This is confirmed by four special markers for observance of the initial cycle of the solar and lunar eclipse, revealed at Kokino observatory, which is more than 35 centuries old, said archaeological research manager Gjore Conev at Thursday's press conference.
"The archaeological analysis has resulted in two significant revelations, which define Kokino's lunar calendar, and assist in the measurement of 29- and 30-day lunar months", Stated Conev.
"The oldest revealed marker at Kokino dates from 1917 B.C. The markers are set at a distance of 54 years and 34 days, while the others date from 1863, 1809 and 1755 B.C.", stressed Conev, adding it is a mystery whether the people disappeared or changed its cult, because there are no markers after the year 1700 B.C.
In 2001, archaeologist Jovica Stankovski of Kumanovo National Museum revealed near village Kokino a site of ceramics dating from the Bronze period. The site encompasses an area of about 5,000m2, set at two platforms right under mountain top Tatikev Kamen, 1,013m above sea level.

The importance of the site was confirmed by the U.S. space agency NASA. It appears fourth on the list of old observatories compiled by NASA.

1. Abu Simbel, Egypt
2. Stonehenge, Great Britain
3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
4. Kokino, Macedonia
5. Goseck circle, Germany

The Official Website
http://www.kokino.org.mk/index.html

Skupi

The archaeological site of the Antique Roman city of Skupi is located 3 km (1.8 m) north of Skopje, near the villages of Bardovci and Zlokukani. First mentioned in the year 3 B.C.E. and founded by the Dardanians, it quickly developed into an important regional center when the Romans made it the capital of their Dardanian Province.

With the creation of a Christian episcopacy a few centuries later, the city's economical and cultural importance grew yet again. A disastrous earthquake in 518 C.E. destroyed the city, but later a new town was built on top of the rubble, named Justiniana Prima after its founder, the famous Byzantine emperor Justinian.

The Aqueduct of Skopje

Located in the northern part of Skopje, the Roman aqueduct is an important cultural and historical monument attesting to urban life in antiquity. Built of stones and brick, the aqueduct has 55 arches supported on massive columns.

Stobi

The ancient city of Stobi, lying in a fertile valley just a few minutes off the central north-south highway that connects Macedonia with Greece, was a vital trade route in its day. This crossroad of ancient civilizations has left a rich legacy of antique theaters, palace ruins, brightly-colored mosaics and religious relics for visitors today to enjoy.

As a city, Stobi is first mentioned in documents from the 2nd century B.C.E. However, archaeologists believe that the town had been inhabited from at least 400 years earlier. Stobi became a rich and prosperous city due to its location on the crossroads of important trade routes. It experienced its biggest period of growth from the 3rd-4th centuries C.E.

The archaeological site (located just 3 km or 1.8 miles from the Gradsko exit on Highway E-75) offers sweeping views of the central Macedonian plain and contains buildings such as the 2nd century amphitheatre, the Theodosia palace, and early Christian ruins with extensive and ornate mosaic floors.

Heraclea - Bitola

Famous for its dazzling mosaics, ancient theater and Roman baths, Heraclea is the most vividly preserved city from the Ancient Macedonian empire surviving in the country.

Founded in the 4^th century B.C.E. and conquered by the Romans two centuries later, it was built on the Via Egnatia and became one of the key stations on this trading route.

From the 4^th-6^th centuries C.E. Heraclea also had an Episcopal seat. The first excavations were done before the First World War, but only since then have the full glories of the ancient city been revealed. Beautiful Roman baths, the Episcopal church and baptistery, a Jewish temple, portico and a Roman theater now used for summer concerts and theater shows all survive in excellent condition.