I saw the coolest things today! A lover of all things ancient, I cannot but help marvel at the human being, 2000 thousand years ago. What they created is nothing short of spectacular. And to think those things are still around for me to explore today, well that is even more magnificent. Salona, a visit to the amphitheatre & sarcophagi made my day.
Sarcophagus
This was a complete surprise for me, and what a surprise it was! I left the ancient city of Salona through the Porta Caesarea gate, and was walking along a path, trying to find the Forum.
I left the main trail and took a small branch to the left, where I thought the forum should be. Well, it was down in the bush, but the area had not been mowed, so I was unable to explore the site further.
Back up on the main path I decided to head for the amphitheatre, and what should I pass? A bridge with a huge sarcophagus right there beside the trail! It was enormous! I took my photo’s and carried on towards the amp.
Sarcophagi
Low and behold, just a bit further was a giant trench on the right side of the path. And what was it full of? Sarcophagi!! Holy moly, it was incredible.
The ancient Romans did not bury their dead inside their cities, instead, they put them in sarcophagi which they placed at the sides of the roads leading from the city.
This group was accidentally discovered by a farmer in 1871, 2.5 meters below the ground. Stunning, and so cool. The shape of the lid is so interesting to me and I will endeavour to read about why they have that shape.
Amphitheatre
Taking the wide trail from the sarcophagi, I continued on to the area where I thought the amphitheatre should be. A few minutes later, and there she was in all her glory.
Wow, just incredible. I only wish I had a way to view it from above. I could definitely see the oval shape and the inner and outer rooms and walls. It is so beautiful in person.
Again, I was free to climb over everything and explore to my hearts content. There was only one other couple at this site. Walking in amongst the poppies and grasses, it really was magical.
If you love ancient things as much as I do, this will be right up your alley on the next visit to Split. Only a half hour bus ride away from the city, Salona is definitely worth taking a morning or afternoon to explore. There are still other ancient ruins around that area that I have not yet seen. It was a large city with so many different structures.
