Originally built as a Hellenistic style theatre in the early Seleucid Empire , the theatre was expanded and remodelled in the early Roman period , when the main stage and entrances were reorganized in a more typical Roman fashion . The 115 Antioch earthquake caused severe damage to the structure . It was rebuilt soon-after under patronage from both Trajan and Hadrian . The theatre was further expanded in the first half of the third century CE . Under the Byzantine Empire the theatre 's drainage basin was restructured and a " qanat " was built through the middle of the lower stage . By the late Byzantine period the theatre had stopped serving as a centre for theatrical performances . However , the theatre and its " qanat " continued to play an important role as a water resource during the Byzantine and Islamic periods . The theatre was built into a steep hill overlooking the Orontes River valley
115 Antioch earthquake
115 Antioch earthquake
Apamea, Syria