Chester Roman Amphitheatre, Chester (Cheshire)

The largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older)

Introduction

 The largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, used for entertainment and military training by the 20th Legion, based at the fortress of 'Deva' (Chester). Excavations by English Heritage and Chester City Council in 2004-5 revealed two successive stone-built amphitheatres with wooden seating. The first included access to the upper tiers of seats via stairs on the rear wall, as at Pompeii, and had a small shrine next to its north entrance. The second provided seat access via vaulted stairways. The two buildings differed both from each other and from all other British amphitheatres, underlining the importance of Roman Chester

History to the present day

The first amphitheatre on built on this site is believed to have been a simple structure, and is thought to have been constructed by Legio II Adiutrix during their brief posting in Chester at some point in the late 70s. The structure was soon rebuilt by Legio XX Valeria Victrix when Legio II Adiutrix were reposted iin 86. This amphitheatre fell into disuse when Legio XX were reassigned to help with the building of Hadrian's Wall, however when they returned in around 275, the amphitheatre was once again rebuilt.

The newer structure was much larger. The major axis lines up approximately along the north-south line, and exits are placed at all four points of the compass; in keeping with the style of most Roman forts of the era, the amphitheatre was placed at the south east corner of the fort. The amphitheatre could seat 8,000 people comfortably, and around it, a sprawling support complex was constructed. This consisted of dungeons, stables and food stands which were built for use during the contests. There was also a shrine to Nemesis, goddess of retribution, positioned at the north entrance to the arena.

The amphitheatre is an unusually large and developed complex and this has led historians to conclude that it is possible that Chester would have become capital of Roman Britain had the Romans succeed in their conquest of Ireland. 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Chester Roman Amphitheatre, Cheshire, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

 

All year
Any reasonable time
Mon - Sun.

 

Admission prices:

 

Adult:Free
Children:Free
Concession:Free

All photographs courtesy of English Heritage photographic library.