During this period Britain experienced immigration of Celtic tribes from north and central Europe. It is likely that inhabitants in the vicinity of ancient Hambledon included these Celtic migrants and it is thought that the name Meon may be a Celtic legacy. Whatever their cultural characteristics – widely associated with particularly decorative arts – they brought key social and economic developments to the Bronze Age environment. These included such features as hill forts, and the oppidum – an enclosed settlement often marked out by ditches and dykes. They also brought their technical knowledge of ironworking. The map (below) from Atlas of Hampshires Archaeology shows the numerous hill forts close to Hambledon’s location, the nearest being Old Winchester Hill. Oppida are shown on this map and they formed the nucleus of future Roman cities at Winchester, Chichester and Silchester. Oppida hosted early industry and formed social and economic infrastructure for regional rule; often they were home to a mint producing local coinage.