Split

Split (pop. 189,400), city in Croatia, in the southwestern region of Dalmatia on the Adriatic Sea; known as Spalato in Italian. The remains of the palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian (A.D. 245–313) are central to this modern port city. The tomb of the emperor, within the palace walls, became the Cathedral of Split (A.D. 653). Many have ruled this city, including the Byzantine Empire (mid-4th century to early 12th century), Venice (1420–1797), and Austria (1797–1918). It was part of Yugoslavia from 1918–91. Today it supports many industries, including chemicals, plastics, aluminum, and shipbuilding.