Medieval church and burials unearthed near Diocletian's Palace in Split

Archaeological excavations in Split, Croatia, have unearthed a trove of early medieval and late antique artifacts, offering vital insights into the city's historical transformation. The discoveries, made in Hrvojeva Street near the famed Diocletian's Palace, include a previously unmapped early medieval church, a sealed tomb from the same era, and approximately 70 burials dating to the late antique period.

Andreja Markovac, the lead archaeologist, described the church as a "sensational discovery" as it did not appear on any Venetian maps. The tomb, found near the church, contained a sarcophagus lid fragment inscribed with the name "Marcial palatin," referring to a court official from the late antique period. Burials were found in various locations, with some dating to the late antique period near the Silver Gate and others to the modern era near the northeastern tower.

The findings are considered highly significant for understanding how Diocletian's Palace evolved into a medieval city. Markovac explained that cemeteries were typically located outside ancient cities along roads, and within city walls in the medieval period, often near churches. The proximity of these burials to the palace walls suggests that this area was designated for burials in antiquity.

Excavations, which began in April and are expected to continue until September, have also uncovered a 17th-century Venetian military complex. The team is working at depths of up to three meters and plans to go deeper, with the possibility of extending the deadline due to the unexpected nature of the finds. Archaeologists assure that the work will not compromise the stability of Diocletian's walls, as foundations extend deeper than the excavation depths.

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Sjeverno od južne pravokutne kule i Srebrnih vrata pronađeni su kasnoantički ukopi, a uz sjeveroistočnu kulu novovjekovni ukopi. Ukupno 70 ukopa pronađeno je na cijelom prostoru istraživanja od juga prema sjeveru.