Evidence has been found to indicate that the history of Brač dates back to the Paleolithic. This was found in the Kopacina cave, between
Supetar and Donji Humac, where archaeologists have confirmed the existence of human communities. Illyrians inhabited the island in the Bronze and Iron Age, leaving behind many historic ruins which make up many of the historical sights. The first name that was given to Brač Island, by Illyrians, was Brentista Elaphus translating as “deer.”
9 AD marked the founding of the Roman province of Dalmatia, Salona became the main hub of activity and generally, no larger villages and towns were founded. Although Brač seemed to escape Roman rule, there is still evidence of the Roman presence including presses for wine and oil and remains of the ports such as Split, Bol and bay Lovrečina.
Croats found their way to Brac Island in the 7th century with the island eventually becoming part of their kingdom in the 10th century. Starting in the 12th century, Brač played host to multiple rulers, from Venetians to Hungarians until finally settling in 1420 to the Venetian Republic, which started its long-term administration.
During the Turkish invasion in the 16th century, Brač became a refuge for entire communities that were escaping from the Ottoman Empire. They left many traces of their heritage on the island, including the Blaca hermitage and Dragons Cave, both believed to be the work of Glagolitic
monks.
From the late 18th century to the present Brač was under the French, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Yugoslavia until creating the Croatian Republic.