ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS NEAR THE VILLAGE OF GORNO NOVO SELO (Boyan Dumanov – bdumanov@nbu.bg) Six groups (A, B, C, D, Е, F) of grave stones were documented with over 1000 graves. Sondage No. 1 was carried out in the western part of Group C. Graves Nos. 577 and 580, oriented east – west, were discovered. The oval burial pits were surrounded with uneven stones and there were two grave stones at both ends of each grave. Human bones were found in the graves. Sondage No. 2 was carried out in the western part of Group A. A clandestine excavation, which had destroyed the eastern side of grave No. 21, was documented. Sondage No. 3 was carried out in the western part of Group B. Grave No. 435 was explored. The oval burial pit was surrounded by stones. Human bones were found in the grave. Graves Nos. 822 and 828 were explored in Sondage No. 4. Grave No. 822 was marked by two grave stones at its ends. It was surrounded by uneven stones. The deceased was laid on his back with arms stretched along his body. Grave No. 1319 was explored in Sondage No. 5, carried out in Group E. The rectangular burial pit was surrounded by uneven stones. The deceased was laid on his back with arms stretched along his body.