The engraved gem and Glynn Davis EXPERTS have revealed an engraved Roman gem dug up in Colchester has been found to date hundreds of years earlier than previously thought. The engraved gem – an intaglio – was excavated at Gosbecks Archaeological Park, Colchester in 1995 by the Colchester Archaeological Trust. It was unearthed within the precinct of what would have been a ‘Romano-Celtic’ temple, that was discovered on the site. It was thought to have been from around the time of Emperor Claudius’ invasion of Britain in AD 43. The carnelian intaglio of deep red colour was mounted in an iron ring and was originally used by its owner to seal letters and documents.