Publications
The Yugoslav Peoples Before 1918
A historical analysis reveals that the division of the Roman Empire in AD 285, initiated by Emperor Diocletian, established a lasting cultural and religious boundary in the Balkan peninsula. This boundary, running from the Adriatic coast to the confluence of the Drina and Sava rivers, separated regions that later adopted Eastern Orthodox Christianity (Cyrillic alphabet) from those adhering to Roman Catholicism (Latin alphabet). The study traces this divide's enduring influence on the Yugoslav peoples, despite subsequent historical changes like Ottoman occupation. It highlights how Diocletian's legacy, including his palace in Split, shaped the cultural landscape of the region, offering insights into modern differences between Western (Slovenes and Croats) and Eastern (Serbs and Macedonians) Yugoslav groups.
Ghetto
The term 'ghetto' has evolved significantly, transitioning from its original 17th-century use to describe the Jewish community's voluntary segregation within the Palace of Diocletian in Split, Croatia, to a modern symbol of socio-economic stigma and tourist gentrification. This study demonstrates how the concept of a ghetto shifted from a physical and symbolic boundary defined by the palace's walls to an invisible border tied to socioeconomic conditions post-World War II, ultimately becoming a 'Disneyfied' space dominated by tourism. The research analyzes aerial drawings, photographs, and historical documentation spanning centuries, highlighting the transformation of the site's social meaning without altering its location. It reveals how the ghetto's identity has been redefined from voluntary Jewish habitation to a tourist-attracting, gentrified area, stripping it of its original inhabitants' narrative.
Late antique transformations and the end of the ancient city
The Late Antique period (fourth to seventh centuries CE) marked profound transformations in the Roman Empire, reshaping urban defense, elite residences, and imperial patronage. Key discoveries include the evolution of urban design, as seen in Rome's Aurelian Walls and the Palace of Diocletian at Split, alongside the emergence of Constantinople as a new world capital blending Greco-Roman heritage with Christian influences. The study examines these changes through architectural projects, such as basilicas and baths in Rome and Jerusalem, revealing shifts in hierarchical concepts and stylistic trends. By analyzing sites like Athens, Ephesus, Jerash, London, Rome, and Constantinople, the research highlights the complex fate of ancient cities during this transitional era.
Relief plates from the baptistery in Split: current issues in its study
Research on the relief plates from Split's baptistery reveals that six marble slabs, likely originating from either the Split cathedral or St. Peter and Moses church, depict significant figures with historical and liturgical implications. The study identifies two prominent candidates for the seated figure—a ruler—Croatian king Peter Kreshimir IV or king Dimitar Zvonimir, reflecting the political dynamics of the 11th century. Notably, the standing figure's missing scroll and erased inscription suggest alterations over time, possibly linked to changing liturgical practices amid shifting Byzantine and Western influences. Stylistic analysis further connects these plates to regional architectural trends, offering insights into the cultural and historical context of the period.
Diocletian’s Palace, Restoration of the S-E Quadrant
Recent restoration efforts at Diocletian’s Palace have uncovered significant insights into the 4th-century dome of the former mausoleum. Precise architectural recording revealed deformations suggesting possible alterations to the original construction method. Additionally, archaeological research beneath 13th-century floor slabs uncovered preserved late antique opus sectile marmoreum with geometric patterns and tesserae from dome mosaics. The study also traces the evolution of restoration methods applied to the mausoleum over the past century and a half, highlighting advancements in conservation techniques. Current work focuses on conserving the southern wall and SE tower, aiming to present its history comprehensively.
Überlegungen zum vermeintlichen Aufenthalt von Galla Placidia im Diokletianpalast in Split
Historical records suggest that Galla Placidia, a prominent figure of the Roman Empire, may have stayed at the Palace of Diocletian in Split during 424/425 AD. This paper challenges such claims by analyzing Philostorgius' account of Theodosius II's military campaign route through Pannonia and Illyricum. By scrutinizing the logistics of this unusual journey, the study questions the feasibility of Galla Placidia's prolonged sojourn in Split. The research employs a critical examination of historical sources to assess the plausibility of her presence, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of late Roman history.
Understanding the Complexity of Assessing Cultural Heritage’s Economic Impact on the Economic Sustainability of a Tourism Destination: The Case of Split, Croatia
Assessing the economic impact of cultural heritage on tourism destinations is inherently complex and requires tailored approaches for each site. This study highlights that no single method universally suits the valuation process, emphasizing the unique characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Split’s Historical Complex with the Palace of Diocletian. Through critical analysis of existing assessment techniques and sustainable development indicators, researchers found that while previous efforts aimed to standardize valuations, each site demands a customized approach. This insight has significant implications for UNESCO’s management guidelines and the economic sustainability of heritage tourism destinations.
Multilingualism in Venetian Dalmatia: studying languages and orality in written administrative documents from Split (fifteenth/sixteenth centuries)
A complex multilingual landscape characterized by Latin, Venetian, and Slavic languages coexisted in late medieval Split under Venetian rule. This linguistic interplay, evident in administrative documents, revealed no clear division between Romance and Slavic speakers due to Dalmatia's long-standing symbiosis. The study highlights that social status often correlated with language knowledge, addressing how Venice managed this multilingualism by establishing a translator office in 1472—later than other Dalmatian towns—to facilitate communication, trade, and governance. Researchers analyzed notarial acts and case files to explore the methodological challenges of studying orality through written records.
Investigation of Dimension Stone on the Island Brač—Geophysical Approach to Rock Mass Quality Assessment
Research identifies key geophysical thresholds for high-quality dimension stone quarrying on the island of Brač, crucial for preserving the historical integrity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Split's Diocletian Palace. The study reveals that rock masses suitable for architectural stone must exhibit compressional seismic velocities over 3000 m/s, shear wave velocities above 1500 m/s, and electrical resistivity exceeding 3000 Ωm—factors significantly influenced by moisture content. Employing noninvasive methods such as MASW, SRS, ERT, and GPR, the research classifies rock mass quality into three categories, with GPR proving particularly effective in mapping fissured systems. These findings provide a scientific basis for sustainable quarrying practices that balance resource extraction with heritage conservation.
Recherches interdisciplinaires sur l’alimentation et l’évacuation des eaux du palais de Dioclétien à Split
A recent interdisciplinary study reveals that the water supply and sewage systems of Diocletian's Palace in Split exhibit remarkable alignment with modern engineering standards, despite being over 1,700 years old. The research, conducted between 2014 and 2018 by a team of archaeologists, architects, and civil engineers at the University of Split, analyzed archival sources and archaeological excavations to reconstruct these systems. Notably, the aqueduct supplying the palace remains partially functional today, while the sewage system's original structure is well-preserved, offering unprecedented insights into Roman urban planning. The study highlights the advanced and enduring principles of Roman water engineering, which closely mirror contemporary practices.
Shake Table Testing of Two Historical Masonry Structures for Estimation of Their Seismic Stability
Shake table testing of scaled models of two historical masonry structures revealed critical insights into their seismic stability, failure mechanisms, and weak points. The study focused on the Old Bridge in Mostar and the ancient Protiron structure in Split, providing essential data on their seismic response, including accelerations, displacements, and strains, which were used to verify analytical models. These findings are crucial for designing health monitoring systems for these heritage structures, ensuring their preservation in seismically active regions.
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