- Archaeologists have discovered evidence of Britain's
own miniature Coliseum, it was revealed today.
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- The two-tier stone built structure, in Chester, which
dates back to 100AD, hosted gladiatorial contests, floggings and public
executions.
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- Experts say the amphitheatre is the only one of its kind
in Britain and the new evidence proves that Chester must have been an important
site within the Roman Empire.
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- Dan Garner, senior archaeologist for Chester City Council,
said: "Previous findings have suggested that the amphitheatre was
a two-tier structure, but it was always believed the second tier was made
of timber.
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- "We have now discovered the upper level was actually
made of stone and stood about ten metres (33ft) high.
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- "It would have looked like a mini Coliseum and had
a seating capacity of around 10,000 to 12,000.
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- "The extra tier would have been added as the popularity
of the amphitheatre grew, a bit like adding an extra tier at Old Trafford.
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- "It would have been a very impressive structure."
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- English Heritage archaeologist Tony Wilmott, who has
also been working on the site, said the existence of such a structure in
Chester was a mystery.
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- He said: "It obviously means that Chester was a
very important place but why, we don't know."
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- One of the theories is that the Roman emperor Septumus
Severus was planning to use the city as a base for an invasion of Ireland.
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- If successful, Chester would have become the provincial
capital of the new arm of the Roman Empire.
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- As such, it would have needed a large amphitheatre to
provide entertainment for its large population, which would have included
high profile political and military figures.
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- The dig also discovered that the Roman theatregoers were
fans of tacky novelty souvenirs.
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- Among the discoveries is part of a bowl, which dates
back to the second century, featuring images of gladiators.
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- The items were probably sold from wooden market stalls
outside the arena.
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- Mr Wilmott, who discovered the bowl, said: "These
were basically mass-produced, cheap souvenirs.
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- "The spectators would watch the event and then buy
a bowl featuring their favourite gladiator.
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- "We recently went to the Roman amphitheatre in Arles,
in France, and bought a similar item, a novelty ashtray in the shape of
the amphitheatre.
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- "So here we are 1,800 years later and we are still
buying the same cheap souvenirs as the Romans did."
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- The archaeologists have also discovered the remains of
Roman "fast food" spare ribs, chicken bones, and coriander and
poppy seeds.
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- The findings of the dig have added weight to calls for
the amphitheatre to be explored further.
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- Controversy surrounds the site, which is partially obscured
by a former convent, which dates back to the 18th century, and a modern
court complex, which was opened in 2000.
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- Mr Garner said: "It is a bit of a political hot
potato. Some people want the buildings torn down to reveal the rest of
the amphitheatre, but other people oppose it, especially as the former
convent is a Grade II-listed building.
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- "I am staying apolitical on the matter, but obviously
the more significant finds that are made adds more weight to the calls
for them to be knocked down."
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- The findings of the dig, which is part of a three-year
joint project between the city council and English Heritage, will be used
to determine the ultimate fate of the rest of the site.
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- The second-year dig begins in June and is expected to
attract more than 40,000 visitors to the city.
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- ©2005 Scotsman.com
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- http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4566983
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