RESCUE EXCAVATIONS NEAR THE TOWN OF HARMANLI (Tatyana Kancheva–Ruseva – ruseva_t@abv.bg, Veselin Ignatov, Krasimir Velkov) Rescue archaeological excavations were conducted because of the construction of the Plovdiv – Svilengrad railway line. The area excavated was 600 m in length with a varying width (between 19 m and 72 m). Forty-three sondages were carried out on this area and four sectors were outlined. A trench with a П-like layout and an opening oriented to the northeast was explored in sector 1. Two holes for vertical posts dug into the bedrock were uncovered to the west of the trench. The construction dates to the Early Iron Age (11th – 6th centuries BC). In addition, ditches with different sizes containing terracotta spindle nodes and sherds from the Early and Late Iron (5th – 1st centuries BC) Ages were discovered. A heap of burnt lath-and-plaster fragments, containing some sherds and parts of animal bones, was explored as well. The constructions in sector 1 are most likely the remains of a sanctuary. Two underground dwellings and six pits dating to the Roman and early mediaeval periods were explored in sector 2. No cultural stratum was registered in sector 3 and only a small quantity of archaeological material was found. A cultural stratum c. 80 cm in thickness was discovered in sector 4. Part of an underground dwelling demolished because of fire was explored. Early mediaeval material was found. Some finds from the Late Iron Age and the Roman period were discovered as well.