Professor Emeritus Emilio Marin Receives Honorary Doctorate from the University of Spli

In the Gothic Hall of the Papalić Palace at the Museum of the City of Split, a solemn ceremony was held on Monday, June 15, 2026, for the presentation of honorary doctorates from the University of Split. Our former Vice-Rector, Professor Emeritus Emilio Marin—a distinguished Croatian scientist, archaeologist, and diplomat—was one of three recipients of the honorary doctor of science degree, alongside Piotr Stepnowski, Rector of the University of Gdańsk, and Alfred J. Vella, Rector of the University of Malta.
 

In the presence of vice-rectors, deans of university components, and numerous distinguished guests, Rector Professor Dragan Ljutić particularly emphasized the academic and social significance of Professor Marin. He highlighted that Professor Marin is a man whose work has permanently indebted Croatian science, especially archaeology and Early Christian archaeology, and who has successfully represented his homeland worldwide on both scientific and diplomatic stages. The justification for awarding this prestigious recognition, which was initiated at the proposal of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, was read by Professor Ina Reić-Ercegovac, while the committee's opinion and the laureate's biography were presented by Professor Matko Erceg.
 

In his acceptance speech, Professor Marin reflected on his rich career and personal ties to his hometown, noting that he can now boast two honorary doctorates, as his first was awarded by the University of Paris exactly twenty years ago. He emphasized that it is an exceptional honor to receive this recognition in Split, to which he is bound by thirty years of work at the Archaeological Museum in Split—where he served as director for 17 years—as well as his many years of teaching at the University. He thanked the Rector, the Dean, and all university components for their support, stating that he remains permanently connected to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
 

He also recalled his beginnings right there in the Papalić Palace, where as a young participant in a tour guide course he listened to Split's scientific greats such as Cvito Fisković, Branimir Gabričević, and Duško Kečkemet, which decisively shaped his professional path. Speaking about the challenging times of the Homeland War, he singled out three difficult moments in which he refused to leave Croatia or give up on organizing an international scientific congress, which ultimately proved to be the right decisions for Croatian science.

At the end of his address, Professor Marin emphasized the unbreakable link between archaeology and diplomacy that has marked his life, with special emphasis on his service as Ambassador to the Holy See. He concluded that archaeology, especially Early Christian archaeology, represents the shared heritage of Europe and the Mediterranean and must serve as a foundation for dialogue and peace. Stating that the study of antiquity is for him analogous to striving for peace, which is needed today more than ever, Professor Marin symbolically concluded his speech with the words: "Pax et bonum!". The ceremony concluded with a performance of the academic anthem Gaudeamus igitur interpreted by the Bozzotti Quartet.