Central Atrium                                         -      -      - 
(-------------------------------------------------)     W <---(M)---> E
                                                        -      S      -

You come upon the large central reception area, the atrium.  The roof
overhead is partially open to the sky, not only to admit light but also to
channel rainwater into a basin, where it is stored in cisterns for use by
the palace residents.  Here the tetrarchs are able to greet their guests in
a pleasant and cool setting.  Far to the north you can see the dome and
crown of the large Imperial Residence rising a hundred feet into the sky. 
Continuing to your immediate north is the peristyle garden, the atrium
branches to your west and east.  The Arch of Diocletian is to your south.  
     A bronze stele stands here, displaying the Courtyard Map.
A Diocletian commoner goes about his daily chores here.