The Chester Roman Amphitheatre is the largest Roman Amphitheatre in the United Kingdom. Dating back to the 1st century, during the time of Emperor Vespasian, the amphitheatre was initially built by Legio II Adiutrix; a Roman Legion posted in Chester.
Upon Legio II Adiutrix moving from Chester Legio XX Valeria Victrix moved into the area and expanded on the initial building work of the amphitheatre. After some years Legio XX Valeria Victrix was moved out of Chester to help construct Hadrians wall and the Amphitheatre fell into disrepair.
When the Legio XX Valeria Victrix returned to Chester in 275AD the Roman Amphitheatre was rebuilt bigger and better than the one that had stood before.
Initially the ancient ruin was used for military exercises. There is also evidence to suggest that later on it was used for many sports from cock fighting to combat sports including the legendary Gladiator battles. These Gladiator battles saw men pitted against each other in battle to the death with the Gladiator.
It is believed that the Chester Roman Amphitheatre could hold up to eight thousand spectators, with food stands and possibly souvenir stalls located outside the walls. Image that number of spectators all shouting and chanting to hear the blood thirsty sounds of battle.
After Roman times, the amphitheatre degenerated; although the site was still used to perform public executions.
Amphitheatre Excavation
http://www.chester.gov.uk/amphitheatre/
The Roman Amphitheatre we see today was discovered in 1929 when some people were carrying out gardening duties at the 18th century Victorian manor house called “Dee House†located at the south end of this wonderful arena.
The north end had been used by the Georgians to build ‘St John’s House. All records of the amphitheatre had vanished.
Excavation of the Roman Amphitheatre began in 1939 but was stopped at the outbreak of World War Two. After the war was over excavation did not resume until 1957 but even then could not be finished as the Victorian manor “Dee House†was still in use.
Currently there are summer digs excavating the Roman Amphitheatre for the English National Heritage and local Council who manage the site. These excavations are unearthing some wonderful items from Roman pots to cooked animal bones showing how the Romans lived in Chester.
The Chester Amphitheatre Project is ongoing and holds regular archaeological events at and near the site; even holding re-enactments of the gladiatorial combats which would once have taken place here.
Visiting the Chester Roman Amphitheatre
The Amphitheatre is open all year round during daylight hours.
It is located within a fifteen minute walk from the local railway station.
There is no fee associated with visiting the Roman Amphitheatre.
By car you can locate the Roman Amphitheatre by following road signs into the city then following the A483 towards Wrexham on the city ring-road.
You will find the amphitheatre just off the inner ring road with a car park accessible in Pepper Street.
There are regular guided tours at 2pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays that walk around the amphitheatre talking about the amphitheatre, Roman Soldiers and the Gladiator battles that took place.
These tours are held all year round and start at the Chester Visitors Centre located across the road from the Roman Amphitheatre itself.
Chester Roman Amphitheatre
Vicars Lane
Chester
CH1 1QX01244 402260