Der Rundbau am Theater in Kaunos. Eine σκοπή/ein Beobachtungsplatz?

Abstract

Publication of the circular building at Kaunos and discussion of the finds and features were not able to clarify its function beyond doubt. An interpretation as the crepis of a tholos seemed likely at the time, but is contradicted by the following: the top step shows no evidence of superincumbent marble architecture, and does not represent a stable foundation; its surface is inscribed with a complex network of lines that cannot be connected with a tholos, and the height of the steps is more suited to sitting than climbing. The assumption that the construction project was abandoned simply sidesteps the problem. Clean-up work in the years following 1994 has brought to light a number of marble slabs which, together with the specimens already known, present new options. Also, new observations about the network of lines show that the top step served as a ›drawing board‹ for a line system that was intentional from the euthynteria onwards. This and other findings allow us to suppose that the circular building was an observation platform such as are occasionally mentioned in classical literature. They were for observing the stars and for determining the meridian line and wind directions.