It was built on top of earlier buildings, notably Nero's Domus Transitoria and the Republican House of the Griffins, significant remains of which have been discovered.

Under Septimius Severus a large extension was added along the southwestern slope of the hill overlooking the Circus Maximus, but otherwise the bulk of the Palace as constructed under Domitian remained remarkably intact for the remainder of the Empire.

The palace was renovated under Theodoric the Great (r.493-526) the Ostrogothic King of Italy in the 6th century[4] using the receipts from a specially levied tax.

On the eastern side was a large semi-circular exedra on three levels, decorated with sculptures and fountains, commanding views of the garden below.

Around the perimeter ran a two-story portico upheld by slender columns veneered in expensive coloured marble.