This jar was found at 'Caesar's Camp' on Wimbledon Common. The jar is late
Iron Age or early Roman. It was made during the 1st century ad. It may
show that Iron Age people lived at Caesar's Camp during the Roman period.
What is Caesar's Camp?
Caesar's Camp is an ancient settlement surrounded by a ditch and two
walls. A survey in 1866 found it had circular marks inside, showing where
round huts would have stood. The site was damaged soon after and very
little can be seen today.
Work to be done
Caesar's Camp has never been properly excavated. There are many theories
about its origins. It is mentioned in medieval records, and is called
'Bensbury' and later 'The Rounds'. The present name 'Caesar's Camp' led
people to believe it was a Roman army camp. However, the round hut marks
and some prehistoric pottery found on the site suggest it is actually an
Iron Age hill fort, built around 700 bc. Hill forts were market centres
and the homes of tribal leaders.
