Chester's Roman amphitheatre excavation

I was in Chester several years ago, at which time there was little visible of its Roman amphitheatre. That is now set to change:

The first part of a major archaeological investigation of Chester's Roman Amphitheatre began this week.

The survey, jointly funded by English Heritage and Chester City Council, will use advanced technology to produce the most detailed map ever made of the city landmark and its surrounding area. . .

Work on site is expected to last three to four weeks, during which time teams of specialists will identify and map key elements of the amphitheatre. The aim is to provide vital information needed by archaeologists to understand the site better and help target possible areas for excavation in the summer.

The survey promises not only to provide information about Chester's Roman past but could also shed light onto early Christian life in Britain. The foundations of St John the Baptist Church, Chester's first cathedral, are near the amphitheatre and their existence indicates a complex adaptation of the original site by Chester's citizens over the centuries.

Posted by David on January 24, 2004 11:35 AM