Join the Chester Archaeology team and help celebrate National Archaeology Day at the amphitheatre – cheer on your favourite gladiator in the arena, see what it was like to live in a Roman camp, take part in the activities for all the family, find out about the latest ideas and discoveries from the excavation.
… and its FREE
For more information phone Jane (01244) 402009
National Archaeology Day at the amphitheatre is a part of National Archaeology Week which takes place between the 16th & 24th July with lots of archaeological events taking place across both England and Wales. More than 250 sites have already signed up. From excavation and artefact handling, to ancient crafts and re-enactments. From the 1st of June you will be able to find out what's happening in other parts of the country by logging on to the Brit Arch website.
Keep reading below to see what happened last year!
Saturday 17 July saw the return gladiatorial combat to the arena floor at the Amphitheatre.
As part of National Archaeology Day the Amphitheatre and Chester Visitor Centre hosted a fun packed event featuring a variety of entertaining and educational attractions.
The stars of the day were, undoubtedly, the members of the Britannia Re-enactment Group...
who staged several bouts of fierce gladiatorial combat. [above] and [below]
It was so exciting the hard working archaeologists couldn't resist downing tools to enjoy the show [below].
Even TV couldn't keep away, as several of the gladiators were interviewed for a local news programme. [below]
Other than the gladiators there were also other attractions on the day. The archaeologists were on hand to talk to the public about the project and what has happened so far. Also there were several tents that contained other, less energetic, forms of Roman reenactment, as well as hands on educational displays for kids - like the mosaic making below.
All in all, a good day was had by everyone, for example one happy visitor left this comment on our blog:
"What an excellent day! The early rain was disappointing, but thankfully it cleared up nicely by the afternoon. The gladiators were great, but I particularly enjoyed looking at the excavations and some of the wonderful finds. The large number of visitors proved how popular our archaeological heritage is with the public."