Project aims and objectives are informed by the Research Agenda, and will be influenced by the non-invasive survey.
Principle Project Aims
to validate and enhance data previously recovered from the amphitheatre through excavation.
to create a knowledge base sufficient to make judgements on the future treatment of the amphitheatre and of Dee House.
to engage and interest the public in Chester and further afield in the processes of archaeology.
to undertake training in archaeological technique to archaeological students
Archaeological Objectives
To establish the scope and extent of the Thompson excavations, and the state of survival of the archaeology of the northern side of the amphitheatre.
To establish the post-Roman uses of the northern part of the amphitheatre.
To establish the date and sequence of the filling of the arena.
To establish the immediate post-Roman use of the southern side of the amphitheatre.
To explore the connection between the amphitheatre and St John’s church.
To enhance knowledge on the construction of the stone-built amphitheatre
To reassess the evidence for a timber amphitheatre phase, with particular regard to the possibility that this evidence relates to internal structures within the stone-built amphitheatre, and not to a separate and earlier phase.
To establish the pre-amphitheatre uses of the site.
To retrieve material culture and ecofacts which could further our understanding of the history of and its surrounding landscape.
Public Objectives
To maximise visitor potential, and use of the excavation as a focus to ensure public understanding, participation, and enjoyment of the archaeology of Chester.
Educational & Training Objectives
To develop the use of the amphitheatre as an educational resource for schools.
To develop archaeological teaching materials which may be used on a wide range of archaeological sites.
To investigate ways of displaying archaeological excavations and their results.
To provide training opportunities for archaeologists at the start of their careers.
