Roman Amphitheatre, Chester

The Roman Amphitheatre at Chester is the largest yet excavated in Britain (though only half of the structure has been uncovered). It lies beside the Roman fort of Deva, and it served as an entertainment centre and training ground for the troops of the 20th Legion stationed at the fort.

The amphitheatre was built around 86 AD, and could hold an estimated 7,000 spectators. Beside the amphitheatre stands a shrine to Nemesis, Roman godess of vengeance. The altar is a replica; the original is preserved at the Grosvenor Museum.

Access is free, and you can walk right down onto the floor of the arena, following in the footsteps of gladiators long ago as they made what may have been their final journey. Beside the amphitheatre site is the old Saxon church of St John, which once served as the original cathedral for Chester.