4th Century Roman Emperor, Galarius left his stamp on the city. The Rotunda was built in 306 as his burial place.(He was buried elsewhere!) After his death in 311 Emperor Constantine turned it into a Christian Church of St. George. 1200 years later the Ottomans took over (1590) & it became a mosque. In 1912 it became a church again but the minaret at the side (the only one left in the city) was left standing.

The Arch was built in 298-99 and dedicated to Galarius’ glory in 303. It celebrates his victory over the Sassanid Persians. Only part of the whole structure remains but the carved marble pieces inside the arch are original, depicting the wars of Galarius against the Persians.

The excavations are of his palace.