Chabot Aurore

Chester: roman times

Chester was known as Castra Deva in roman times. It's meaning « the military camp on the River Dee ». The position of the city was strategic . Indeed, it was an advantage for the defence, the river was an important trade route and it was used to invade Ireland and North Wales . The Roman army arrived in Chester at around AD 71 and 79 . The bases was created by the second Legion, then, the Roman rebuilding the city for their 20th Legion. For more than three centuries Chester was one of the most important military bases in the Roman Empire (25 hectares). The organisation in the military bases

The most important building was the principia. It was the place where the paperwork of the legion was carried out. Around the courtyard, there were offices and stores. Furthermore, there were a basilica who the legionaries could be called for the announcement. Moreover, there were also the houses of the soldiers, granaries for food storage and baths. In Roman Chester there was a large amphitheatre were people were entertained by gladiators or by cruel sports.

*The Fortress Rampart is denoted by a thick green line, the Mediaeval City Walls in gray. * The west and south sides of the fortress are shown with a broken green line. *Principal streets and buildings of the modern city are labeled with capital letters. Features of Roman Chester which may still be seen are numbered: *1 - 9 the fortress defences; *10 - 17 the fortress buildings; *18 - 24 outside the fortress. *2, 8, 14, 21, 22, 23 can only be seen by prior arrangement with the owner/proprietor concerned. Small groups recommended. www.roman-britain.org

In the second centuries, the military depot was rebuilt in stone by the 20th Legion because at first, the fort was made of wood. Furthermore, they built 22 square towers, they would be reinforce the protection of the city and be more strong.

Unfortunately, in the 4th century, there was the beginning of the demilitarisation of Chester and Chester was abandoned. This date correspond at the dissipation of the Roman Empire. After, the 20th Legion was called to defence Rome against the Visigoths.

Lots of information of Roman Chester comes from the tombstones.