From the probably Roman theatre of Sidyma only a few rows of seats have survived. A stage house is completely missing. As can be observed in many ancient cities, Sidyma also had its buildings cut and the stones used for centuries to build new houses and/or stables.

Little is known about the early history of the city. As coins show, it apparently belonged to the Attic League in the 5th century BC and was a member of the Lycian League from the 2nd century BC.
In Byzantine times Sidyma became a bishop's seat.

The archaeological remains visible today date largely from the Roman Empire. In addition to the remains of the Acropolis and the heavily buried and drained theatre, numerous sarcophagi, high graves and some temples have been preserved. Only inconspicuous foundations of several public buildings have survived the time. The village of Doduga, which is now located in the former city area, was built largely using ancient building materials. Thus the village mosque and Koranic school were built on the ruins of the Roman thermal baths using the ancient building substance.

A number of sources report of a handed-down story:
The later emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, Marcian Augustus, (450-457 AD) fell seriously ill after a campaign and had to be left behind in Sidyma on the march through Lycia.
Two brothers took him in and cared for him until his complete recovery. When Marcian became emperor, he remembered Sidyma and the two brothers and gave them high offices within the Lycian League.