The Yugoslav Peoples Before 1918

A historical analysis reveals that the division of the Roman Empire in AD 285, initiated by Emperor Diocletian, established a lasting cultural and religious boundary in the Balkan peninsula. This boundary, running from the Adriatic coast to the confluence of the Drina and Sava rivers, separated regions that later adopted Eastern Orthodox Christianity (Cyrillic alphabet) from those adhering to Roman Catholicism (Latin alphabet). The study traces this divide's enduring influence on the Yugoslav peoples, despite subsequent historical changes like Ottoman occupation. It highlights how Diocletian's legacy, including his palace in Split, shaped the cultural landscape of the region, offering insights into modern differences between Western (Slovenes and Croats) and Eastern (Serbs and Macedonians) Yugoslav groups.

Singleton, F. (2025). The Yugoslav Peoples Before 1918. The Economy of Yugoslavia, 40–46. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003617723-3