Muğla, Fethiye

The two-level theatre in Fethiye behind the yacht marina has been superficially spruced up.

In common with many theatres, it was modified in the late period for gladiator fights. The wall at the boundary of the orchestra has been raised for the safety of the spectators and a section for the elite has been added onto the benches near to the orchestra area in a way that shows clearly that this was done at a later date. The sidewall of the vaulted passages opening onto the central walkway and remains of the stage building have survived. Part of the supporting wall at the end of the benches is still intact. The theatre has a total of 10 radial ways, which must have consisted of 17 steps in the first level and 15 steps in the second. The orchestra has a radius of 52 feet, and the stage building is 45 feet wide and 137 feet long. The original height of the stage building must have been approximately 67 feet. The width of the circular walkway is six feet and five inches. The section for the elite is 21 feet wide and 19 feet deep. Three doors open onto the orchestra area. The steps of the radial stairways have been carved in situ out of the benches, and the row ends worked with lions’ claws.