Welcome to the Peristyle! Or, as I like to call it, Emperor Diocletian’s grand outdoor reception hall. This magnificent colonnaded courtyard, framed by towering Roman columns and graceful arches, was the ceremonial heart of the palace and the grand entry court to his imperial residence. Diocletian, would have appeared here to his subjects. It's said that when Diocletian appeared, people would prostrate themselves before him. This practice, known as 'proskynesis,' was adopted from Eastern imperial courts and was quite a change from earlier, more modest Roman emperors. It really highlighted his autocratic rule and divine pretensions. Take in the grey granite columns crowned with ornate Corinthian capitals surrounding the square and see how the impressive bell tower of the Cathedral, our next destination, soars into the sky just beyond. The polished limestone underfoot has been worn smooth by countless footsteps over seventeen centuries. A remarkable feature here is the black granite sphinx, lounging regally on a pedestal by the steps. Brought all the way from Egypt by Diocletian, this sphinx is over three thousand five hundred years old, dating back to the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose the third! Its presence was intentional; Diocletian was fascinated by Egyptian mysticism and saw himself as the living son of Jupiter, influenced by the pharaohs who claimed divine status. This sphinx originally guarded the entrance to his mausoleum and temple. It is believed that originally, there were a dozen sphinxes here; only a couple have survived, one of which is headless and located near Jupiter's Temple. This particular sphinx is a bit different from other sphinxes you may have encountered and if you look carefully, you will see that it has human hands holding what could be offerings, instead of the usual lion paws. Now, Facing the Peristyle, you'll see an imposing octagonal structure with immense old doors, accompanied by a magnificent bell tower. This is the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. Find a good spot where you can see the Cathedral and listen to the next stop