Cocev Kamen

Cocev Kamen is a notable archaeological site located near Kratovo in North Macedonia. Set atop a hill of volcanic origin, it features a series of caves and rock shelters adorned with prehistoric red figurative art, suggesting its use for ritualistic purposes dating back to the Upper Paleolithic. The site has served as a focal point for sacrificial ceremonies from the Neolithic through the Bronze Age and into antiquity, as evidenced by pottery shards, stone tools, and bone fragments. Modifications to the natural rock formations, including stairs, pools, and platforms, indicate ceremonial functions possibly linked to fertility deity offerings. While some suggest it may have functioned as an astronomical observatory, the primary significance lies in its long-standing ritual use and the insights it provides into prehistoric cultural practices in the region.