It is believed that the oldest prehistoric settlement on Marjan was in or around the Bambina Glavica area, due to its strategic position and nearby sources of drinking water. This is primarily evidenced by minor archaeological excavations that uncovered fragments of prehistoric vessels.

The Tabula Peutingeriana, a map of the road network from the 4th century Roman Empire, delineating the area from Britain to Persia, also includes the route to Marjan. The route passes through the village of Spalato, and continues towards Epetium and Salona. The road begins at a temple with an inscription ‘ad Diana’. Being drawn on the so-called world map, this station likely held more than just local significance, possibly serving as a larger station or there was a settlement nearby.

The Benedictine abbey of St. Stephen the First Martyr on Sustipan played a significant role in the history of Marjan and Split. It is dated around 1020. The monastery of S. Stephanus de Pinis or sub Pinis (under the pine trees) was founded and built by the citizens of Split who had the right to participate in the election of the abbot. The abbot was the most prominent citizen of Split after the bishop and the prince. The abbey reached its peak during the tenure of Archbishop Lovro of Split. One of its most famous residents was Stjepan II, the last Croatian king from the Trpimirović lineage. It is assumed that he was buried in Sustipan.