Architectural Studies:Diocletian's PalaceTasanee DurrettARC 231 History/Theory of Architecture IProfessor Schrenk11 March 2014IntroductionIn the following pages, I studied the architectural design of Diocletian's Palace in Split, Croatia. The overall purpose of the residence and its materiality will be noted. During the contribution, the essential structural aspects and formal meanings will also be explored in depth. Furthermore, the scientific interpretation of the militaristic residence is examined. Finally, the article will include a brief description of the remains of Split from its original appearance and reconstructions. Cultural context The Roman emperor Diocletian retired from the political scene on May 1, 305, thus abdicating Nicomedia. Once he left Nicomedia, he resided in a residence he had built in Split near his hometown on the Dalmatian coast. His previous intention to retreat was implicit in a joint rule of four other emperors. This may indicate that the residence was still under construction, or perhaps even finished in 305, around the time Diocletian abdicated. It is currently unknown who built the resident. Furthermore, there is no evidence of a local organization or group of builders having built a structure possibly related to Diocletian's Palace. Presumably, there is evidence that the craftsmen and builders were possibly Greeks, as there are stone markings with Greek letters on the stonework throughout the structure of the residence. While there is limited evidence as to who built the structure for Diocletian, there are significant elements ...... middle of paper ...... and, although apparently evident in the plan, it does not appear to portray the true aspects of Diocletian. The ornamentation and architectural details that were put into the residence are what most strongly portrayed Diocletian as a powerful emperor who significantly changed the way the people of the city 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.