THE first part of a major archaeological investigation of Chester's Roman Amphitheatre began this week. The survey, jointly funded by English Heritage and Chester City Council, will use advanced technology to produce the most detailed map ever made of the city landmark and its surrounding area. The survey is being undertaken by English Heritage in partnership with Chester City Council and is being coordinated by Stewart Ainsworth, a senior archaeological investigator with English Heritage and a member of Channel 4's Time Team . Work on site is expected to last three to four weeks, during which time teams of specialists will identify and map key elements of the amphitheatre. The aim is to provide vital information needed by archaeologists to understand the site better and help target possible areas for excavation in the summer. The survey promises not only to provide information about Chester's Roman past but could also shed light onto early Christian life in Britain. The foundations of St John the Baptist Church, Chester's first cathedral, are near the amphitheatre and their existence indicates a complex adaptation of the original site by Chester's citizens over the centuries. David Miles, chief archaeologist of English Heritage, said: 'This is the first detailed analysis carried out of the site and we are very excited about what this might tell us about Chester's Roman and early Christian past. We are looking forward to working with the council and the people of Chester to further our understanding of this important monument.' Councillor Ann Farrell, Chester City Council's cabinet member with responsibility for culture and heritage, said: 'I'm delighted that work on this project is now under way. The council is determined to make the most of this opportunity, which promises to yield clear benefits for Chester's heritage and economy.' The technology being employed includes robotic electromagnetic survey, ground-penetrating radar and earth resistance survey to provide a map of features buried below the ground; and terrestrial photogrammetry to photo-graphically record and draw every detail of the amphitheatre exposed in previous excavations. Specialists will also examine all the old excavation records, maps and surveys of the area and compare them with the results generated by the new surveys. An unmanned aerial vehicle may also be deployed over the site to digitally photograph the site from previously unobtainable angles. | 
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