COMPLEX ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS IN THE VARNA LAKES (Nayden Prahov – naydenprahov@yahoo.com, Kalin Dimitrov, Vladimir Slavchev) The geophysical explorations in the lakes included the application of lateral scanning sonar, under-bottom profilograph and multi-beam echo-sounder. During underwater diving surveys two submerged settlements were located. The first settlement was located in the Old Channel. It was discovered in 1968 and was dated to the Late Bronze Age, judging from the pottery. In 2015, during underwater diving surveys vertical wooden posts were discovered at c. 6.50 m in depth; pottery and animal bones were found. During underwater diving surveys in 2018, seven vertical wooden posts were discovered at 5 – 6 m in depth. The second settlement belonged to the archaeological site near the Village of Ezerovo. During underwater diving surveys c. 30 vertical wooden posts, 20 – 30 cm in diameter, were discovered at 3 – 4 m in depth. During the field surveys on the mainland, 35 archaeological sites were visited. The Roman and Late Antique fortification near the Village of Strashimirovo was partly preserved. Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age settlements with related necropoleis were documented. At least five similar Late Chalcolithic complexes and one Early Bronze Age complex were located.