CROATIA // Many cities have Roman ruins, but in Split they form the fabric of the city. The palace, built by the emperor Diocletian, is at the heart of this lively port. Diocletian imported marble from Italy and Greece, and sphinxes from Egypt for his grand retirement home. It's a wonderful place to wander. The palace has more than 200 buildings and houses some 3000 people. Some passageways are deserted and others thump with music from bars and cafes, while the residents hang out their washing and kids play football between the ancient walls.