Description of the attraction
The majestic ruins, which occupy a large area of land near Split, surrounded by modern developments and fields - this is what the once thriving Roman city of Salona looks like now.
Salona is an ancient Illyrian city that was the center of the province of Illyria. Due to its significant economic and strategic importance, Salona becomes the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. The city flourished as a center of commerce and government. The Governor of Salona began active construction of five roads that connected the city with other parts of the region, as well as with the borders of the province. The city's greatest prosperity came during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. In the second century A. D. Salona's population numbered about 60,000. In 295, Emperor Diocletian voluntarily transferred his throne to a couple of heirs and moved to a magnificent palace that he built for himself five kilometers from Salona. Diocletian was a successful emperor, but the days of the Roman Empire were already numbered.
Between the 5th and 6th centuries. Salona becomes an important Christian center. The city was badly destroyed during the invasion of the Avars and Slavs in 614, and in 639 the Palace of Diocletian was again occupied by the Romans.
The Illyrian city center was found quite recently. Part of the city wall with entrance gates and towers has been preserved from the first Roman period. The city expanded rapidly to the east and west, and in the second century was surrounded by new walls. The forum was located in the city center, near the sea. Near the city you can find the remains of theaters and baths, which were built outside the city in the first century.
One of the most interesting surviving monuments is the base of the antique amphitheater, which was built in the second century, in the northwestern part of the city. The amphitheater at the Salon was designed to accommodate between 18,000 and 20,000 people at a time. The sad fact is that until the 17th century, the amphitheater was hardly touched until the Venetians destroyed it for fear that the Turks would return and use it as a fortification quarry.
Salona is a very interesting place that has not yet been fully excavated by archaeologists. There is still a lot of relics and treasures underground, which will surely be found by future generations.
