The stadium is the best preserved structure in Aphrodisias. In fact, it is one of the largest and best preserved stadiums in the Mediterranean Basin. It is 262 m long and 59 m wide, and could accommodate as many as 30,000 people. It was probably built in the 1st or 2nd century AD and was used for athletic and public events. During the Byzantine period, after the theater was damaged in the 7th century earthquake, the east end of the stadium was modified into a smaller arena, that was probably used for gladiatorial and beast shows.