The Archaeological Museum in Split has opened an exhibition titled “Delmati - Between Myth and Reality,” offering a comprehensive look into the ancient Delmats, the people after whom the region of Dalmatia was named. This exhibition marks a significant milestone as it brings together over 400 archaeological artifacts from museums, institutions, and collections in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, presenting them for the first time in one location. These artifacts provide a detailed narrative about the Delmats, who inhabited the eastern coast of the Adriatic and its hinterland for centuries before the Roman Empire.
The exhibition aims to present a multifaceted picture of the Delmats, moving beyond their traditional portrayal as warriors and long-time adversaries of Rome. Instead, it highlights their complex society, rich culture, developed economy, and strong identity. The artifacts displayed include items related to daily life, clothing, jewelry, weaponry, burial customs, beliefs, and trade practices. The exhibition also emphasizes the relationships between the Delmats and neighboring communities, as well as their interactions with the Roman Empire, including the process of Romanization following the Roman conquest.
The project involved collaboration among numerous museum and scientific institutions from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to Marta Kalebota, senior curator at the Archaeological Museum in Split, the most challenging part of the two-year effort was coordinating the work of 14 institutions involved in the project. Many of the exhibited items had been scattered across these institutions and were previously stored in collections not easily accessible to the public. Kalebota emphasized that the exhibition represents an attempt to provide a more complete understanding of one of the most important peoples of prehistoric and ancient Dalmatia.
The exhibition features several intriguing sections, including stories about the beliefs of the Delmats, such as the sacred role of the river Cetina and the sanctuary in Gorica, where over 300 votive offerings, jewelry, weapons, and tools deposited between the seventh and first centuries BCE have been discovered. These findings offer insights into the spiritual practices and cultural significance attributed to natural elements by the Delmats.
Ante Jurčević, director of the Archaeological Museum in Split, noted that after exhibitions dedicated to the Greeks, Romans, Salonians, Avars, and the Kingdom of Croatia, it was essential to present the cultural heritage of the Delmats, a people whose legacy deeply influenced the history of the region now known as Dalmatia. He highlighted how the exhibition and accompanying catalog synthesize previous research on Delmatian sites and provide new scientific insights into their material heritage.
The exhibition also underscores the importance of revisiting and reinterpreting historical narratives. While the Delmats are often remembered as fierce warriors, the exhibition seeks to portray them as a sophisticated community with a rich cultural tapestry. It explores their economic activities, which included craftsmanship and animal husbandry, particularly sheep farming. Additionally, the exhibition sheds light on their burial practices, religious beliefs, and everyday life, offering a broader perspective on their societal structure and interactions with other civilizations.
The collaborative nature of the project reflects the shared interest in uncovering and preserving the cultural heritage of the Delmats. By bringing together diverse expertise and resources, the exhibition not only presents a cohesive narrative but also opens avenues for further research and interpretation. As visitors explore the twenty thematic sections, they gain a deeper appreciation of the Delmats' contributions to the region's history and their enduring influence on the cultural landscape of Dalmatia.
The exhibition will remain open for public viewing, allowing visitors to engage with the artifacts and learn more about the Delmats' legacy. It serves as both an educational resource and a celebration of the region’s ancient roots, inviting future generations to continue exploring and understanding the complexities of this fascinating civilization.
4 reports
Večernji listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8519 days agoAn exhibition titled 'Delmati - Between Myth and Reality' has opened at the Archaeological Museum in Split, Croatia. The exhibit features over 400 artifacts showcasing the history of the Delmats, an ancient people after whom Dalmatia was named. The exhibition aims to provide a comprehensive narrative about the Delmats, who existed before the Romans and more than three thousand years ago. Curator Marta Kalebota mentioned that organizing the exhibition involved coordinating with 14 institutions and highlighted the need for further research into Delmatian culture.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual summary of an archaeological exhibition without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any particular ideology. It focuses on cultural heritage and historical research, which are generally non-political topics when presented objectively.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Highly factual with detailed information about the exhibition, artifacts, and quotes from experts. Slightly less objective due to some emphasis on the novelty and significance of the exhibition.
tportalIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8820 days agoThe Archaeological Museum in Split has opened an exhibition dedicated to the Delmats, featuring over 400 archaeological items from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the Delmats, an ancient community that inhabited the eastern coast of the Adriatic and its hinterland for centuries. Museum director Ante Jurčević highlighted the collaboration between several museums and scientific institutions in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Curator Marta Kalebota emphasized the exhibition's goal to present the Delmats as a complex society with rich文化,
Bias read (Center): The article discusses an archaeological exhibition focused on historical and cultural heritage, without any overt political commentary or bias. It presents information objectively, quoting museum officials and emphasizing the educational and cultural significance of the exhibit.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 88): Accurate and well-sourced with direct quotes from museum officials. Balanced presentation of Delmatian culture and their historical role. Very neutral and informative.
Net.hrIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8020 days agoThe Archaeological Museum in Split has opened an exhibition titled 'Delmati - Between Myth and Reality,' which presents over 400 archaeological finds and new insights into the culture, life, and history of the Delmats, the people after whom Dalmatia was named. The exhibition features items from museums and collections in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, offering a comprehensive overview of the Delmats, who inhabited the eastern coast of the Adriatic and its hinterland for centuries. The exhibition aims to highlight the cultural heritage of the Delmats, a people who left a lasting impact onD
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about an archaeological exhibition focused on historical and cultural heritage. It does not present any political opinions, biases, or controversial claims. The content is neutral and informative.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Factual with good coverage of the exhibition and its goals. Slight bias towards emphasizing Delmats as warriors, though this is mentioned as common perception rather than the exhibition’s stance.
Jutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 7020 days agoThe article discusses an exhibition titled 'AB ANTIQUO' at the Museum-Gallery Space of the Sacred Hearts in Pula, showcasing archaeological finds such as the statue of Eros discovered during excavations for a new hotel, a stone male torso found on the Pula Forum, and a bone box from Piran. The exhibition highlights how Pula became known in European artistic, humanistic, and antiquarian circles due to its well-preserved Roman monuments, starting from the early modern period.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural heritage and archaeological findings without any political commentary or biased framing. It presents facts about the exhibition and historical significance of Pula's Roman relics without taking a stance or showing favoritism toward any political group or ideology.
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 70): Less focused on Delmats specifically, more on Roman remains in Pula. Some factual details but lacks depth on the Delmatian exhibition. Tone leans slightly toward fascination rather than neutrality.
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