Chartres is dominated, and I mean dominated, by its vast gothic cathedral. It is, for want of a better expression, absolutely bloody massive and can be seen from miles away across the surrounding fields. The complex of mediaeval clerical buildings and churches which grew up around this important religious centre seem to tumble from the bluff on which it stands, down towards the twin channels of the river Eure to the east. At the bottom of the slope beside the river lies the collegiate church of St André de Chartres, and surrounding it and cutting into the hillside is a suspiciously circular street pattern.

Chartres is on the site of the Roman settlement of Autricum. There was 19th century speculation about the existence of an amphitheatre but no concrete evidence until aerial photography pinpointed the location in 1965. Remains were found by archaeological Excavations carried out in 1965, 1967, 1982 and 2010. These uncovered masonry confirming the existence of the structure. 

Dating hypotheses range from the first century to the second century or later.