Built in the 4th century AD, the Peristyle is a central square in the palace, where the main entrance to the Diocletian's quarters is. Built using limestone extracted from the neighboring island of Brač, it was used by the emperor, who claimed to be the son of Jupiter, to address his subjects.
On the west side of the courtyard Diocletian built three temples which originated from Spain and Egypt. A 3500 year-old sphynx made from African black granite sits next to the main entrance , a reflection of Diocletian’s fascination with Egyptian culture.