The University of Chester has secured National Lottery funding through Arts Council England to develop an immersive virtual reality experience of Chester's Roman amphitheatre. This project, titled Our City, Our Story: Deva Victrix in VR, will enable visitors to step inside the ancient world of Deva Victrix, the Roman name for Chester.
Bringing History to Life
The initiative combines archaeological research with cutting-edge digital technology to recreate one of the city's most significant heritage sites and the people who once inhabited it. Working with immersive design specialists IMITO and archaeological artist Julian Baum of Take27, the experience will transport users into a detailed virtual reconstruction of Roman Chester as it existed nearly 2,000 years ago. Visitors will encounter characters inspired by real historical figures, including a soldier, a trader, a gladiator, and a Romano-British woman, each providing insight into daily life on the edge of the Roman Empire.
Interactive Exploration
Rather than viewing static exhibits, the public will be invited to explore, interact, and respond within a fully immersive environment. Feedback from visitors will also help shape and refine the experience as it develops. Caroline Pudney from the University of Chester said: “This experience puts people at the heart of history. We’re inviting the public to step inside a carefully researched digital reconstruction of the Roman amphitheatre, meet characters inspired by those who once lived in Deva, and tell us what they think. Their feedback will be vital in helping us develop an experience that both enchants and informs.”
Showcase Events
The VR experience will be showcased at the Chester Heritage Festival and the University of Chester's Festival of Ideas, with further dates and locations to be announced. More details on exact dates and venues will be released soon on the official festival websites. The project is based in Chester, Cheshire.
