THE LATE IRON AGE SETTLEMENT 2100-1900 Years Ago

A later settlement came about at the time of the Roman invasion of France. New trading links were set up between France and Britain. Hengistbury with its fine harbour and river system attracted trade. Roman merchants exchanged luxury goods including wine and glass for skins, slaves and hunting dogs. Hengistbury exported a range of metals including copper, silver and gold. Evidence for this trade has been unearthed and includes large fragments (sherds) of tall pottery jars (amphorae) which contained wine from Italy and raw glass from the Mediterranean.

It was during this period that the Double Dykes were constructed some 2000 years ago, presumably to protect the traders operating within the rich settlement and port on the shores of Hengistbury Head and Christchurch Harbour. The earthworks were probably built up over a long period of time using hand tools, wicker baskets and ox-drawn wagons.

Trading settlement and port. Exporting slaves and precious metals. Importing wine in amphorae (in foreground).	Double Dykes 2000 years ago.