History

The first inhabitants of the island of Brač were ancient Illyrians whose presence dates back to the early history. Numerous fortresses and ruins scattered along the island prove their presence on the island of Brač but also their strength to resist a strong Greek colonization of mid-Dalmatian islands in 4th Century B.C. Roman period from 167 BC has conditioned that life moved to the northern coasts and bays of Brač, but there were built no settlements but villae rusticae on the cape of St Nicholas in Supetar in Lovrečina bay, in locality Mirje near Postire and other. Under Roman rule on the island, Brač was also the economic centre. Stone used for the construction of magnificent buildings like Diocletian Palace in Split, listed by the UNESCO as the protected World Cultural Heritage was collected in quarries.

 

In the Early Christianity, from 6th to 7th century, on Brač were built Early Christianity Churches of which, from the cultural and artistic point of view, the most magnificent and most preserved church is that in Povlja. Croats have settled the island in 7th century, from Neretva area.

 

Today is considered that Brač is an ancient Illyrian name of one of the noblest animal – deer (in Illyrian Brento, in Greek Elephos) so Brač in history was recorded as Brentis or Elaphusa. Stephen of Byzantium says: Brač is the Adriatic island with a river (?) which Greeks call Elaphusa and other Bretanide.

 

The oldest settlement on Brač is picturesque Škrip where is situated the Island of Brač Museum.  The oldest coastal village is Bol, ancient capital is Nerežišća whilst current capital city is Supetar. The Patron Saint of the island of Brač is St George which on the island’s emblem is shown when killing the dragon. Among historical sketches, the cave Kopačina near Donji Humac shall be emphasized. There were found prehistoric remains that prove the human presence in this area, more than 30 000 years old.