Auditorium (Cavea)

View looking at the eastern half of the seating area.  The theater could seat about 3,000 people. Note the two levels that are divided by a walkway (diazoma). 

The lower level is divided into four wedges (cunei)—two of which are visible—by staircases.  The seating does not reach all the way down to the orchestra—as in Greek theaters— but a wall separates them from it.  Sometimes this wall protected the spectators from animals and gladiators.  Note too the round indentations in this lower wall—these seem to assist acoustically.

The upper section is divided into eight units and two of the four exits (vomitoria)—on the level of the diazoma—that lead in and out of this area are visible.

This image courtesy of Mark Connally.