Vital information about the first and last days of Chester’s Roman military occupation could be unearthed in an archaeological dig on the future site of Chester’s iconic theatre.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s historic environment team and specialist contractors, Earthworks Archaeology, are looking for volunteers to join the professional ‘time team’ excavating the basement floor of the former Commerce House.

Little is known of this part of the Roman fortress and the dig could answer questions about the function and development of the Roman buildings that once stood here.

Previously hidden beneath the former basement floor of Commerce House, the heavily disturbed and fragmentary remains of Roman wall lines and road surfaces survive patchily between the large concrete foundation pads.

Although the remains are in a very poor condition and only survive in pockets, it may be possible to ‘join the dots’ and recreate a plan of the Roman buildings.

Again, although severely truncated during the building of Commerce House, there are clear signs of the Roman road that once ran east-west through this area.

Will Walker, head of archaeology at Earthworks, said: “Even in the heavily truncated areas below the former Commerce House basement, interesting Roman archaeology is coming to light.

“In terms of the early days of the Roman fortress, we are right at the level of its birth.”

Even in the early stages of the project, finds have included large pieces of red glossy decorated pottery called Samian ware – imported pottery, manufactured in Gaul.

Excavations on the former Commerce House site will continue until Christmas and members of the community will have the opportunity to work on a project which could well help make local history.

In addition to regular guided tours and organised school trips, untrained volunteers will have the chance to learn new skills by working alongside the professionals employed by Earthworks Archaeology.

Cllr Stuart Parker, executive member for culture and economy, said: “We are looking for people with the interest – but not necessarily the experience – to take part in a modern archaeological excavation in the heart of Chester’s Roman fortress.

“It is a rare opportunity and one which, I’m sure, will appeal to many fascinated by our Roman past.”

Cllr Samantha Dixon added: “Chester’s Roman past is a major part of the city’s visitor attraction and the excavations present a chance to expand our knowledge of that period, most importantly within the theatre’s construction timetable.

“There was also considerable local interest in the earlier Roman finds within the Odeon itself and I’m sure there will be no shortage of volunteers to help the archaeologists on a site of such potential importance.”

Anybody interested in becoming a volunteer, bringing a school group to the archaeological dig, and or finding out more about the guided tours should contact Jane Hebblewhite at jane.hebblewhite@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or telephone 01244 976212.