Most of the Palatino as it appears today is covered by the ruins of Emperor Domitian's vast 1st-century complex, which served as the main imperial palace for 300 years.
The Domus Flavia was the public part of the palace, centred on a grand columned peristyle off which the main halls led. To the north was the emperor's throne room (aula regia); to the west, a basilica where the emperor met advisors; to the south, a large banqueting hall, the triclinium.