If you’re wandering through the sun-soaked streets of Pula, Croatia, you’re not just exploring a coastal city. You’re walking through layers of history that date back nearly a million years. Ancient Pula is one of the most fascinating historical destinations in Europe, especially for travellers curious about Roman ruins, early civilisations and local legends.

From Prehistoric Caves to the Histri Tribe

The earliest signs of human life in the Pula region date back nearly one million years. Remains of Homo erectus were discovered in the Šandalja Cave near the city. During the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, roughly between 6000 and 1000 BCE, the area was marked by the construction of gradine , or hillforts. These were typical of the Illyrian Histri tribe, whose name is preserved in the term “Istria.” These native communities engaged in trade across the Adriatic, particularly with the Greeks, who left behind artifacts such as statuettes of Apollo. This suggests limited but meaningful Hellenic influence.

According to myth, the city’s foundation is linked to the Colchians, who, during their fabled pursuit of Jason and Medea, settled in the area after failing to retrieve the Golden Fleece.

Pula Under Roman Rule

The turning point came in 177 BC when the Romans conquered the Histri and took control of the region. The Romans conquered the local Histri in 177 BCE, but it took them two military campaigns and a two-year siege of the Histrian capital of Nesactium to subdue them and defeat their king who, according to Roman writer Livy (59 BCE – 17 CE), chose suicide rather than slavery to the Romans.

The fall of Nesactium marked the end of the independence of the Histrians and the beginning of the Romanisation of Istria. The turning point came in 177 BC when the Romans conquered the Histri and took control of the region. Pola was established as a Roman colony under Julius Caesar around 46 to 45 BCE and was named Colonia Pietas Iulia Pola Pollentia Herculanea. It was granted full municipal rights, which marked the beginning of its development as a Roman urban center.

Veterans were granted land here, and by the first century CE, the city had grown to approximately 30,000 inhabitants. It featured aqueducts, sewers, public baths, forums, and temples. These civic features tightly integrated Pola into the Roman provincial network.

Pula, or Pola as it was known then, became a major port in the Roman province of Venetia et Histria. It was a city of temples, baths, forums and infrastructure, all designed with the grandeur and ambition that defined the Roman world.

Where to See Ancient Ruins in Pula Today

The good news for modern-day visitors is that much of ancient Pula’s architecture still stands, remarkably well preserved. Walking through the city centre feels like stepping into a living museum.

The Pula Arena, built between 27 BC and AD 68, is undoubtedly the crown jewel. It's one of the six largest surviving Roman amphitheatres in the world and the best preserved in Croatia. Whether you're attending a summer film screening or simply standing in awe of its limestone arches, this arena is unmissable.

Nearby, the Temple of Augustus, dedicated to the first Roman emperor, stands nearly intact and continues to captivate with its elegant design and historical gravitas. The Arch of the Sergii, another masterpiece, once commemorated a local noble family's military success and still serves as a striking photo backdrop today.

Other treasures include the Gate of Hercules, Porta Gemina (the Twin Gates), and remnants of the Temple of Diana. The Little Roman Theatre, though modest, is tucked behind the Archaeological Museum and offers a quieter glimpse into daily Roman life. The theatre was recently renovated and it comes alive with plays, performances, exhibitions and events. Much of the ancient city wall still exists too, along with the original sewer and aqueduct systems that once kept the city running.

Visit the historical locations in and around Pula

///What3Words - Google Plus Code

• Nesactium, Muntić - ///colds.mansion.homages - WX89+G9
• Roman Arena - ///formally.mandates.caged - VVF2+73
• Arch of Sergii - ///stencil.enter.paradise - VR9W+8R
• Porta Gemina - ///blurred.teaches.explorer - VRCX+93
• Roman Mausoleum - ///surfer.reading.ever - VRCX +96
• Little Roman Theatre - ///spider.teamed.cabin - VRCW +2Q
• Temple of Diana - ///elects.long.various - VRCR+5V
• Ancient City Wall - ///indicate.ready.alive - VRCX +26
• Mosaic The Punishment of Dirce - ///heap.watched.riot - VR9V+GH

Sources

• https://istrianet.org/istria/archeology/prehistory/c aves/sandalja/description.htm
• https://www.pulacroatia.net/pula-croatia/sandalja-caves-near-pula-oldest-findings-of-prehistoric-men-and-oldest-tools-in-croatia/
• https://istrianet.org/istria/archeology/prehistory/history_bronze.htm
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Istria#:~:text=Since%20the%2011th%20century%20BC,the%20area%20were%20the%20Liburnians.
• https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1787/exploring-classical-pula-croatia
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livy
• https://www.livius.org/articles/place/nesactium/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nesactium
• https://unforgettablecroatia.com/blog/pulas-roman-legacy-exploring-the-iconic-amphitheater-beyond?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Written with AI assistance