Between 80 and 90 AD, the first amphitheatre was constructed in Chester by the Romans. It seated between 8,000 and 10,000 people for events such as sports, entertainment and performances. There were four entrances and it was built with stone walls; however the spectators only had mud mounds to sit on!

A decade or two later, wooden seats were added for the comfort of the audience. External staircases were also constructed, allowing easy access to the now higher seating levels.

The amphitheatre was used for public execution of criminals and offenders to the state, some of who were tied to the stone shown to the left before the wild, half-starved animals were turned on them.

Later on, a larger and grander amphitheatre was built to replace the aging original. This time the staircases were built within the structure and form the basis of the remains visible today.