The Theatre was carved into the side of the mountain at the foot of the High Place of Sacrifice during the reign of King Aretas IV (9BC-40AD). It consists of three rows of seats separated by passageways and seven stairways ascend the auditorium. The back wall of the stage was rebuilt by the Romans.
Petra’s theater is badly deteriorated. The front of the theater, including most of the stage was badly damaged by floods.