Legion II Adiutrix founded the Roman fortress of Deva. It was made mainly from turf and timber, but some of the major buildings were made of stone
II Adiutrix was withdrawn to the continent . It was replaced by Legion XX Valeria Victrix, which remained here until at least the late third century
Much of the fortress was deserted
The conventional date for the end of Roman rule in Britain. We don’t know what was happening at Chester at this time
Chester's history over the next few centuries is shadowy. However, tradition has it that St John's church, to the east of the amphitheatre, was founded at this date
A Viking army took over the city and stayed for the winter
Chester was rebuilt by Aetheflaed, daughter of King Alfred, as a burh (fortified town) during the reconquest of Mercia from the Danes and to counter the threat of raids from the Irish Sea by other Vikings. New timber buildings were erected within the ruins of the Roman fortress, and the town flourished as a port and royal mint.
The Norman Conquest reached Chester. A strong earldom was established here, together with others along the Welsh Marches at Shrewsbury and Hereford
A castle was built in the south-western part of the city, where it could command the bridge and port
St John's church was briefly raised to cathedral status Building began on a grand scale. Part of the city near St John's was called the 'Bishop's Borough' and may have included the amphitheatre site.
The old walls of the Roman fortress were extended to the river on their southern and western sides.
In the war Chester was a Royalist stronghold. It was besieged by Parliament from 1644 until its surrender in February 1646. Major assaults on the city’s walls were made in the area of the amphitheatre, and the tower of St John’s church was used by snipers firing into the city
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