The Iron Age
Medallion of Augustus
The wealth of the late Iron Age royalty and aristocracy of the Colchester area is reflected in the richness of their graves. The most exceptional late Iron Age burial has come from the Lexden Tumulus. Among a wealth of objects was a medallion depicting the Roman emperor Augustus. It is of immense importance for the study of late Iron Age Britain as it must have been a diplomatic gift from the emperor to a client king.
In recent years a spectacular series of native aristocratic burials have been found at Stanway, on the outskirts of Colchester. They date from the late Iron Age through to around AD 60. One burial, the so-called ‘Doctor’s Grave’, included the remains of a gaming board, with the glass gaming counters still in place, and a set of surgeon’s equipment.