Saint Domnius was a 4th-century bishop of Salona, a major Roman city in the province of Dalmatia. Born in Antioch to a wealthy family, he served as a religious leader during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. He is remembered as a martyr who died in 304, alongside several others who had been converted by his teachings. Today, he is widely recognized as the patron saint of Split, the modern city that succeeded Salona.
Life and martyrdom
According to tradition, Domnius was one of the Seventy Disciples and traveled to Rome with Saint Peter before being sent to evangelize Dalmatia. Historically, he served as bishop of Salona around 284. He was eventually executed by beheading at the Salona amphitheater in 304, during the persecutions led by Diocletian. He was martyred alongside seven other Christians.
Veneration and legacy
As the population moved from Salona to the nearby Palace of Diocletian, Domnius became the patron of the resulting city, Split. His cathedral was constructed within the former mausoleum of the emperor who ordered his death. His relics are housed in the Split cathedral, though the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome also claims to possess some of his remains. His feast day is celebrated on May 7.