The seat of power. A symbol of authority and prosperity. The center of a complex nexus of social and cultural forces. A palace is all of these and more. Palaces are mirrors of the societies that created them and the rulers that occupied them. The palaces of rulers past and present are truly a sight to behold. Marvel at Weiyang, China’s Endless Palace. Tour the gorgeous gardens at the Palace of Versailles. Take a ride on the floating palaces, from the Syracusia of 240 BC to Cleopatra’s perfumed pleasure ship and Caligula’s luxurious bejeweled vessels. The Architecture of Power offers an insider’s look at some of history’s most awe-inspiring structures.