Split: Diocletian Knew a Good Thing

Rome was turning in to a bit of a smelly mess. The endless competition of the political set made it a chancy place to live. The expectations of the citizens could bankrupt you.

The army was not what it once was and the navy was dicey. So when retirement time came in the 4th century, a smart thing was to get out of Dodge. Diocletian knew a good thing when he saw one. Besides, he grew up in this area having been born in Solin, just outside of Split.

Diocletian Palace in Split

At Split, the weather was better. There were no swamps so malaria was zero. The wine was much better than the local Roman plonk.

Fresh seafood was constantly available as was freshwater plus Spit was a virtually impregnable fortress so Diocletian brought together a few billion Sisterces and had the locals build a monumental palace for his declining years. 

Diocletian Palace Today

The proof of his wisdom is seen in how easily Split and his palace has adjusted to the changing fashion of politics and tourism. Pizza parlours fit in as required. Basements will cool wine for eternity. Markets slide in along the walls and hotels fitted in easily in the rebuilt ruins. The genius of flexible architecture. 

UNESCO declares world heritage sites where a semi-famous movie star drops a hanky but in some cases, they make great decisions. No one will ever regret a visit to Split in the magnificent remnant that is left for all of us to enjoy.