Summary of Theatre Construction and Dimensions

Geoff Stennett

Description/building method: A large theatre with a central 35 degree to 40 degree sector of the cavea hewn from native bedrock, the remainder of the seating supported on an artificial slope supported by circumferential walls. No evidence as yet to suppose a vaulted ambulacrum or a perimeter concentric stairway existed. Stage building built up. No concentric walkway or praecinctio to break the cavea into an upper and lower cavea. Rows of seating estimated 33 tiers Radius of orchestra (to Roman barrier wall) 9.8 metres Radius to first row of seating 11.2 metres Outer radius estimated 36.6 metres Angle of seating 27 degrees to horizontal Number of radial stairways 7 at approx. 30 degree intervals Seating height 35 to 36 cm Seating depth 70 cm Area of cavea approx. 2000 sq m Estimated max. audience capacity approx. 7,500