How Dalmatia got its name and Croatia its border with Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dalmatia

Many people are familiar with Dalmatia’s stunning coastline, delicious food, and rich history. But did you know that its name has a connection with sheep?

In a recent episode of HRT’s educational series Znamo li što jedemo? (Do We Know What We Eat?), host Robert Knjaz explored the deep-rooted connection between Dalmatia and sheep farming.

According to agronomist and biologist Roman Ozimec, the name Dalmatia (Dalmacija) comes from the Illyrian word delma or dalma, which means “sheep.”

The ancient Illyrians, who lived in this region long before the Romans, were known for sheep farming.

The centre of their civilisation was the city of Delminium, located in present-day Tomislavgrad in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he told HRT.

Romans Called Them “Shepherds”

Since the Illyrians did not leave behind written records, most of what we know about them comes from Roman sources.

The Romans referred to the Illyrian tribe living in this area as the “Delmati,” meaning “shepherds.”

Sheep farming was central to their way of life, providing food, wool, and trade goods.

Sheep played a big role

Sheep Shaped Borders

Even today, the legacy of Dalmatian sheep farming is visible. The traditional grazing areas of Dalmatian and Bosnian shepherds influenced the modern-day border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The border largely follows the historical division between Dalmatian sheep pastures and those used by shepherds from Livno and Duvno.

(UN Map of Croatia/Public domain)

A Forgotten Story

Despite the historical importance of sheep in Dalmatia, many locals are unaware of the origins of their region’s name. When Knjaz asked people in Split about it, the responses varied – from references to Diocletian to jokes about food.

But the truth is simple: Dalmatia owes its name to its ancient shepherds and their flocks.

So next time you enjoy a plate of delicious Dalmatian lamb, remember – this meal is more than just a tradition. It’s a taste of history, rooted in the very name of Dalmatia itself.