Antalya, Demre

The present day ruins of Myra theatre are a reflection of the magnificence of the Roman era theatre. The revenue brought by gladiator fights conducted in the orchestral arena in the Late Roman era was the reason for a safety wall being constructed at the edge of the orchestra. The remains of the spectators’ section for governors added at a later date are evident. One section of the rows of seats of the theatre located in front of the monumental rock tombs rests on the slope out of which it is carved. The stage building and the support walls that encircle the theatre are impressive. This theatre, a striking example of Roman engineering, is impressive like those of Perge and Aspendos. Myra’s fertile plain has made it popular throughout the ages. The theatre was constructed with the assistance of a wealthy man of Oinoanda, Langus.

The armrests of the honorary seats are decorated with fish and other animals, as seen in the theatres of Aphrodisias, Termessos and Kyaneai. The dirty water and clean water system of the stage building of this theatre and the rainwater drainage system are open in some sections. One section of the stage building rising to the height of the upper level of the cavea remains. The large vaulted access ways continuing below the upper section of the theatre that allow spectators to reach their seats with ease are still intact. The cavea faces south. The orchestra has a radius of 50 feet and 11 inches. Based on these dimensions the stage building must have been around 70 feet high when it was intact. In the first level there are 30 rows and 14 radial stairways. In the second level, although only eight rows are visible, taking into account the steep angle of the perimeter support wall and the gradient of the spectators’ rows there must have been 13. The radial stairways in this section must have numbered 27. Seats with backboards are arranged along the central walkway. A small section of these rows essential for sound echo are in place.