Mancunium

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Building information
Mancunium
A reconstructed section of Mamucium fort
Shown within Greater Manchester
Town	Manchester, Greater Manchester
Country	England
Coordinates	53°28′34″N 2°15′03″W / 53.475962, -2.250891Coordinates: 53°28′34″N 2°15′03″W / 53.475962, -2.250891
Completion date	79
Date demolished	115-130
Style	Roman fort

Mancunium is the common, but incorrect, form of Mamucium,^[1] a fort in the Roman province of Britannia. The remains of the fort are protected as a scheduled ancient monument, and are located within the Castlefield area of the City of Manchester, in North West England (grid reference SJ833977).^[2]

Here, close to the River Medlock, in the district still named Castlefield after the fort, stood a Roman fort, garrisoned by a cohort of auxiliary soldiers, guarding the roads running north through Lancashire and east into Yorkshire. The dwellings of women-folk and traders formed a civilian vicus outside. The site is now part of the regenerated area of warehousing alongside the Rochdale Canal. Remains of the fort and vicus, as well as a reconstructed gate, granaries and walls are on display to the public.

Traces of Romano-British habitation have been noted elsewhere in Manchester, especially near the cathedral.

The fort was burnt down some time between 115 and 130 when it was demolished by the garrison. The second phase of the fort was constructed between 130 and 160.^[3]

[edit] See also

Scheduled Monuments in Greater Manchester

[edit] References

^ Rivet, A L F; Smith, Colin (1979). The Place-Names of Roman Britain. London: B T Batsford.
^ Mamucium Roman fort. Pastscape.org.uk. Retrieved on 2007-12-29.
^ Rankov, N.B.; Hassall, M.W.C.; Tomlin, R.S.O. (1980). "Roman Britain in 1981". Britannia 13: 352.