Salona
Salona, the present town of Solin, just 10 minutes from Split on the way to the airport, became a Roman colony in 33 BC during Augustus’ reign. In 170AD, Emperor Marcus Aurelius made it the capital of Dalmatia, a glorious city whose population grew to 50,000! It remained important until the early 7thC when the Slavs and other tribes besieged the region,forcing residents to flee to the islands and the safety of Diocletian’s Palace, then under Byzantine rule.
Although there are some splendid early Christian remains, carved Roman sarcophogii and remnants of majestic entry gates, most of Salona is still underground–even its amphitheatre has been stripped— looted by the Venetians. As you walk these vast meadows that overlook the harbor behind Split’s port, it’s easy to see how this was once a very great city. One day, when Salona is fully restored, it will be more dazzling than Pompeii!
Although there are some splendid early Christian remains, carved Roman sarcophogii and remnants of majestic entry gates, most of Salona is still underground–even its amphitheatre has been stripped— looted by the Venetians. As you walk these vast meadows that overlook the harbor behind Split’s port, it’s easy to see how this was once a very great city. One day, when Salona is fully restored, it will be more dazzling than Pompeii!