When we visited Cadianda some years go we were told that traders used to store goods up there whilst waiting to ship them out of Fethiye harbour. There is a view of Fethiye harbour and once the ships being used to transport goods were in port the goods would be brought down and it lessened the risk of pirates and robbers having time to attack and take the spices and other goods being shipped. Probably donkeys and maybe camels were used to transport everything.
The amphitheatre which is still there was used for theatrical performances, not animals and would keep the people living there entertained.