Chester is famous for its Roman ruins, Tudor buildings and Medieval two-tier shopping rows. Beneath the streets of the city there is evidence of an ancient Roman town and fortress dating back nearly 2,000 years. The Romans called the city Deva during the 1st and 2nd centuries. Chester's magnificent walls surrounded the Roman settlement and fort. They also enclosed the largest man-made Roman amphitheatre in Britain where 2nd Century gladiators battled with each other. Another impressive building from this period was the magnificent villa which housed the Roman Commander. One of the most significant achievements of the Romans was the hypocaust system of under-floor heating. After the Romans left, Chester become an important Saxon town. It continued to be a major military stronghold, and also played an important role in the Civil War in the 17th Century.
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