Monument record 8643 - Possible Roman features, Odeon Cinema

<1> L-P Archaeology, 2013, Archaeological Evaluation Report Odeon Theatre, Chester, R3484 (Client Report). SCH7170.

Archaeological investigations at the Odeon Cinema in 2013 recorded traces of possible Roman features tentatively identified as a north-south aligned road. If this interpretation is correct then this is likely to be the first evidence of the Via Decumana leading north from the prinicipia to the North Gate and represents one of the four major roads through the fortress.

There was substantial truncation noted in the postulated position of the road due to post medieval cellar disturbance, however, a sandstone feature identified in trest pit 22 may represent a metalled road surface. No dating evidence was recovered, however, and the interpretation remains uncertain.