The city was inhabited since prehistoric times and the walls around the city were built during the height of the Roman Empire. This ancient city was hotly disputed, once ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Napoleon’s France. Due to its strategic position, it was also part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Italy, and Yugoslavia. As you stroll around the city you will find that the old town still has a perfectly preserved Ancient Roman street layout, from where you can enter Decumanus Maximus and Cardo Maximus and continue along the narrow streets exploring the city’s historic sights.