CHESTER ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE

The Chester Roman Amphitheatre which was constructed around the 1st century AD is the largest discovered so far from the mediaeval times. The amphitheatre,the most prized cultural and heritage possession of the city of Chester. It’s the reason why, theatre is managed by English Heritage and has been listed amongst the grade I buildings.

Chester Roman Amphitheatre was an extensively large amphitheatre founded in late 70 AD by the Romans, spread over an area of 91,520 square feet. The heritage site of the amphitheatre currently exposes a large stone curved wall and the wooden grillage which had served as the base of the seating for spectators. It’s speculated that the amphitheatre was the largest theatre built by the Romans and it’s still considered the largest theatre ever discovered in Britain. The excavations so far have disclosed that the building was majorly constructed of wood and two of the entrance gates are visible one at the timber hall and other at the north side where spectators would sit. The theatre was supposedly built by Legio II Adiutrix and later subsequent rulers had improvised its construction.

One of the most amazing historical places to see in Chester, the theatre was discovered in 1929 accidentally during the gardening works at Dee House. The other archeological finds at the theatre were cooked animal bones and cheaply made Roman pots which also have images of gladiator combat. 

Location- Roman Amphitheatre, Little St John St, Chester CH1 1RE, UK

Timings- 24 hours

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Highlights

• Take a tour around the amphitheatre which was the largest in Britain and built around the 1st century AD.
• At the site of the theatre you would be able to see the stage area and the spectator area which was constructed in wood. But the boundaries of the theatre were stone walls for security purposes.
• You’d also get to listen to a number of stories about the theatre like it was used for military training purposes.
• Walk through the ruins of the largest Roman Amphitheatre which was also the largest built in Britain and is similar in its structure with that of the theatre in Pompeii.