Roman Amphitheatre Chester (DEVA)

Originally, the amphitheatre was likely used by Roman legionaries stationed in Deva Victrix as a training and exercise arena. It may also have served for a variety of spectacles, including cockfighting and bullfighting, gladiatorial contests, and athletic competitions such as wrestling or boxing. After the withdrawal of Roman troops around 350 AD, the structure fell into disuse and decay. Today, only the northern part of the amphitheatre has been excavated, as the majority lies beneath existing, some of which are historically protected, buildings.