RESCUE EXCAVATIONS ALONG THE ROAD RUDOZEM – XANTHI (Krasimir Leshtakov – leshtakov@abv.bg) Foundations of an ancient bridge are visible on the bank of Elidzhenska River. The exploration showed that the bridge dates to the end of the 18th or the beginning of the 19th centuries. An entirely preserved water-mill exists close to the bridge. Sondages, 5 m in length and 1 m in width, were carried out. The sondages were situated on an area of more than 5000 sq. m and were additionally widened where some archaeological remains were found. Spots of burnt branches and trees were discovered and they mark three temporary hearths surrounded by broken stones. The archaeological material dates from the Late Bronze Age (1600 – 1100 BC) to the 19th century. During the Revival period (late 18th – 19th centuries) some wooden buildings (cattle-sheds or farm shelters) existed there and carbonized beams, iron nails, sherds and an Ottoman silver akce were found. The mediaeval sherds are few but some of them are covered with a gauzy slip. The hand-made pottery comes from the deepest levels of the sondages but also from the ground surface. Most sherds are not typical but some of them date to the Late Bronze Age. Remains of stone structures were discovered on several places but they are badly preserved because of the erosion. The date of the structures is uncertain; one of them could be dated to the Late Bronze Age and the rest most likely are coming from the Revival period. During the modern times the site was related to the nearby khan and during prehistory some temporary camps existed there.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS NEAR RUDOZEM (Krasimir Leshtakov – leshtakov@abv.bg) An area of 300 sq. m was explored. As it was judged by the separate sherds, during the Late Bronze Age (1600 – 1100 BC) the area along the river was occupied, most probably only during specific seasons. Sherds from the Ottoman period, iron nails, clamps, rings, etc. were found at 50 – 60 cm in depth. Remains of a building with timber walls were discovered along the road. Nails and burned wooden beams and posts were found. At the time when the building functioned, the old road followed the southern bank of the river. A sondage was carried out on the northern bank of the river. A pavement of stone slabs and rubble, part of the road that functioned before the 19th century, was documented at 50 – 60 cm in depth.