Romans Amphitheatre Dominates Town

A huge stone Roman amphitheatre has opened (approx AD 100) in the busy port of Deva (Chester). It seats over 7,000 people. It will be used by the army and for public entertainment.

The magnificent stone replacement for Deva's (Chester's) wooden amphitheatre has opened, making the town even more Roman than before. Overlooking the river Dee, the circular amphitheatre has tiered seating, stairs and a series of vomitoria (doorways to get crowds of people in and out efficiently). Important soldiers and civilians have private boxes and good seats close to the action.

The amphitheatre is used a lot for army training. It is also the site for public spectacula. This is entertainment that includes mock hunts, bull baiting and gladiator combats. Unarmed prisoners can be condemned `ad bestias'. This means they are sent into the arena to try to save themselves from fierce, hungry animals. Wrestling and boxing matches take place too. The boxers tie strips of leather studded with metal round their hands.

There is an altar to Nemesis, the goddess of vengeance - and gladiators.