Epetion, an ancient Greek city in modern Croatia

Speaking of Croatia, the medieval city of Dubrovnik springs to mind followed by the imposing Palace of Emperor Diocletian in Split. At the southeast end of the Split peninsula lays the ancient Greek city of Epetion, near modern Stobreč. It is ideally located on an easily defendable cliff.

[The structures and walls of Epetion. Credit: Ministry of Culture of Croatia]

During recent construction works, archaeologists discovered a well-preserved Greek city wall 70 meters long and more than three meters high, said to be the best example found until now in Croatia (see: Greek presence in Croatia). Nearby, remains of a small canal about 50 centimeters wide were discovered. This probably was part of the sewage system that ran over the entire peninsula to the sea. Evidence of structures from different periods provides valuable insight into the ancient settlement as well. 

The first human activity could be traced back to the Bronze Age, approximately 3,500 years ago. Epetion was founded by the Greeks on the island of Issa, modern Vis, where they established a colony in the 4^th century BC. Other known colonies in the region were Pharos, opposite Stari Grad (see: Peculiar history of Pharos, modern Hvar) from 384 BC, and Tragurion, modern Trogir. 

The city grew to become an important Roman trade hub in the 2^nd century BC thanks to its harbor at the mouth of the Žrnovnica  River, its harvesting of salt, and its rich agricultural hinterland. 

Remains of a Christian Basilica with three naves dated from the 5^th century AD still stand to a height of seven meters. It is one of the most important historical monuments in ancient Epetion. 

The city apparently survived well into the Middle Ages but was eventually superceded by other coastal towns.