The design of erecting a stone theatre in this quarter had been
entertained by Julius Cæsar (Suetonius, "Cæsar," xliv.), but the
carrying out of his adopted father's plan was reserved for Augustus
(_ibid._, "Aug." xxix.). He did not, however, appropriate the honour
of so great a work to himself, but transferred it to his beloved
son-in-law, Marcellus. Great part of the outer walls of this large and
splendid building still exists. Against these leaned the arches,
supporting the tier of seats destined for the spectators. The greater
portion of the vast halls have also been preserved; but being now
converted into offices belonging to the Palace of the Orsini, which
has insinuated itself into these ruins, they are not accessible to
strangers. The lower story is in the Doric, the second in the Ionic,
and the third was probably in the Corinthian order. It held 20,000
people.