The end of the Iron Age in England is traditionally dated to the Roman invasion of AD 43, when the introduction of Roman culture made a huge impact on the way people lived. However, in some places many aspects of life had already changed by this time. This is particularly true of south-east England, where Roman-style objects have been found which show that there was interaction with the Roman world throughout the last hundred years of the Iron Age.

In 58 BC, Julius Caesar’s conquest of Gaul (modern France) brought Rome into close contact with southern Britain. Some people began to use pottery, dress, and jewellery that came from the Roman Empire. They imported wine and olive oil from Spain and Italy and some ate and drank from French and Italian plates and cups.

The changes which were taking place in southern Britain can also be seen in a hoard of gold jewellery from Winchester. Dated to 75-25 BC, the hoard contains two sets of jewellery each comprising a torc necklace, and two brooches held together with a chain. While the brooches are of a distinctively Iron Age shape, the torcs are different to any others known from Iron Age Britain, Ireland or France. Instead, they are made in a style known from the Roman and Greek world.