How did Diocletian’s palace become part of the modern city of Split, Croatia?

The Palace of Diocletian became the nucleus of modern Split following the destruction of the nearby Roman city of Solin (Salona) by the Avars around 614 CE.12

Seeking refuge from the invaders, the displaced inhabitants of Solin fled to the abandoned imperial palace around 620 CE. They established a settlement within the seven-acre compound, repurposing the Roman structure by building their homes directly into the existing walls, columns, and arcades.21

This integration of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture into the Roman framework has persisted for centuries. Today, the palace remains a living part of the city rather than a static museum; its ancient corridors serve as streets, Roman arcades house shops, and the former mausoleum of Diocletian functions as a cathedral. This unique continuity of habitation and architectural evolution led to the palace being designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.21