Unfortunately, even though this new archaeological site is of great significance, it will be recorded and covered since it is in a location of a future bus and taxi stand.
Photos by Vojko Bašić
It seems you cannot dig a hole in Split and its surrounding area without uncovering a new archaeological site. That's exactly what happened on April 19, 2016, during the construction of a new bus terminal and taxi stand next to the Port Authority building and Tourist palace on the Riva, Slobodna Dalmacija, and Radio Dalmacija report.
New archaeological discovery is quite significant since it will make us forget everything we thought we knew about the history of the city which usually starts with the story of the Roman emperor Diocletian and his quest to find the perfect location for a summer home.
During the archaeological probing of the space which used to be the main taxi stand, east of the Tourist palace on Obala Lazareta, remains of previous structures were found within a wall from the middle ages, and these new structures date back to Hellenic times!
This incredible discovery was confirmed by dr. Radoslav Bužančić, director of the Conservation department confirmed – We have found nicely carved “bungato” Greek fort walls and they serve as proof that Diocletian was not the first to build a settlement in Split” – Bužančić explained.
According to dr. Bužančić, similar blocks were found during the last extensive reconstruction of the Riva but archaeologists and conservationists were not sure whether those findings were just a coincidence or if Split is indeed “older” than 1700 years and the Diocletian’s times. However, after this last discovery, it seems there’s no more doubt as to who was the first to arrive in Split.
– This new evidence also shows that the front part of Diocletian’s palace was not immersed in the sea, it was built on the shore. Further research also showed that there was a bay in front of the palace or a port of some kind – Bužančić added.
However, as it often happens in this area, because of the chronic lack of space, especially lack of parking lots, this amazing new locality will be preserved and filled up, since the new bus and taxi stand has to be completed by May. Of course, every part of the site will be well documented before it is covered in concrete but one still has to wonder whether there was a way to preserve the locality and make it available to the public. Other cities had the same problem and yet they managed to resolve it.
This information was also confirmed by Pave Zaninović from the City administration. He also stated that the locality will have to be covered and filled up otherwise it would be impossible to manage the traffic flow in the heart of the city.
Even though we understand the predicament the officials find themselves in, because we are talking about one of the busiest parts of the city in terms of traffic, we just cannot help but say who needs history when the present requires more room for tourist buses and parking spaces for the ever growing number of cars in Split. Even though we could have had a fantastic new story to tell not only our visitors but our own kids.
