Chichester

Roman

The civitas-capital of the Reg(i)ni; its Roman name was Noviomagus. Lying within the area of the possible late Iron Age oppidum defined by the Chichester entrenchments, after a brief military occupation the Roman town developed early. This can be ascribed to the influence of the pro-Roman king Cogidubnus, mentioned on two exceptionally early Roman inscriptions from the town, one referring to a temple of Neptune and Minerva (location unknown). Otherwise, the development of the town seems to have been unexceptional. The main baths were in the north-western quadrant, the amphitheatre outside the south-eastern, walls were constructed in the 3rd/4th cents. Remains of a number of later Roman houses, some with mosaics, have been located. The town seems to have been in decline in the later 4th cent.

Alan Simon Esmonde Cleary

Chichester County town of West Sussex, s England. It is a market centre for the surrounding agricultural region and has a sheltered harbour. There are Roman remains, a Norman cathedral, and a modern theatre. An annual drama festival is held here. Pop. (2002 est.) 27,200.