Architectural Studies: Diocletian's PalaceTasanee DurrettARC 231 History/Theory of Architecture IProfessor SchrenkMarch 11, 2014IntroductionIn the following pages I have studied the architectural design of Diocletian's Palace in Split, in Croatia. We will note the overall destination of the residence and its materiality. Essential structural aspects and formal meanings will also be explored throughout the paper. Additionally, the scientific interpretation of the residence having a militaristic disposition is examined. Finally, the article will include a brief description of the remains of Split from its original appearance as well as reconstructions. Cultural context The Roman emperor Diocletian withdrew from the political scene on May 1, 305 and abdicated at Nicomedia. Once he left Nicomedia, he resided in a residence he had built in Split, near his hometown, by the sea in Dalmatia. His earlier intention to retire was implied by a joint reign of four other emperors. This could indicate that the residence was still under construction, or perhaps even completed in 305, at the time of Diocletian's abdication. At this time, it is unknown who built the residence. There is also no evidence of any local organization or construction group having built any structure possibly linked to Diocletian's Palace. It is conceivable that there is evidence that the craftsmen and builders may have been Greek, given that there are stone markings in Greek letters on the stone masonry throughout the structure of the residence. Although there is little evidence on who built the structure for Diocletian, there are some important elements. ...... middle of paper ......e, although seemingly evident in the shot, does not appear to represent the true aspects of Diocletian. The ornamentation and architectural details that were added to the residence are what most strongly depict Diocletian as a powerful emperor who significantly changed the way the city's residents resided, even after his death.BibliographyDowney, JJ Diocletian's Palace , Split: Residence of a Retired Roman Emperor. 1st ed. Great Britain: Ian Sanders Memorial Committee, 1986. McNally, Sheila. Architectural ornament of Diocletian's Palace in Split. 1st ed. Oxford: TempusReparatum, 1996. Rees, Roger. Diocletian and the Tetrarchy. 1st ed. Edinburgh: Edinburgh UP, 2004.A¬¬Plate 1.BPlate 2.CPlate 3.