The Theatre

As the Siq turns right and leads down toward the city, the number of niches and tombs increases, becoming a virtual graveyard in rock arching around behind the Amphitheater. Originally thought to have been built by the Romans after their annexed the Nabataeans, it is now believed that the Nabataeans cut the Amphitheater, slicing through many caves and tombs in the process. Under the stage floor store rooms and a slot were found. Through the slot a curtain could be lowered at the beginning of a performance, Hercules headless statue was discovered several years ago through it, and been placed outside the Museum.

The theatre is a semi-circular orchestra measuring about 125 feet across its broadest point It consists of 33 rows with a potential of 3000-4000 spectators. In front of the theatre and behind the last row of seats there is a rocky background containing some huge rectangular openings.

Farther along, on the opposite side of the Wadi from the theatre, carved into the rock of Jabal Khubtha, are the Royal Tombs: