The originally Hellenistic theatre of Kaunos was built on the western slope of the Acropolis Hill. For the most part it rests on the rocky underground of the hill. Only the northern part of the cavea had to be supported with masonry. Among other things, the vaulted entrances point to a reconstruction in Roman times. Both lead to a gallery (diazoma) that runs above the lowest fifteen rows of seats.

The history of the village dates back to the 10th century BC. Kaunos belonged temporarily to the Attischen Seebund and to the mainland possession of the nearby island Rhodos. In ancient times, the town was considered rich, but unhealthy due to its location in the swampy river delta, where pathogens can easily multiply. It was famous for its widely exported dried figs.

At that time even famous doctors blamed fruits for this. Today we know that it was the mosquitoes in this area that infected the population with malaria. A quote from a singer known for his pointed tongue has been passed down: "How could I dare to describe a city as unhealthy, where even dead people walk through the streets?

The Greek geographer Strabon wrote: "Kaunos has a ship warehouse and a lockable harbour. Above the city, on a hill, lies the Veste Imbros. Although the area is blessed by fertility, according to general insurance the city has unhealthy air in summer and unhealthy air in autumn ...
because of the heat and the abundance of fruit ..."