It is a very well preserved Roman theatres. It served the Roman colony of "Arausio" (more specifically, "Colonia Julia Firma Secundanorum Arausio": "the Julian colony of Arausio started by the soldiers of the second legion"). This colony was founded in 40 BC. The theatre played an important role in the life of the citizens. They spent a large part of their free time there.The Roman authorities saw it as a way to spread spreading Roman culture to the colonies. They also saw it as a way to make them forget about political activities.