Mamucium, also known as Mancunio, was the Roman fort that predates the history of Manchester. It was a crucial military installation and supply depot within the Roman province of Britannia. The fort was located near the confluence of the Rivers Medlock and Irwell, a strategic position for controlling trade routes. It also sat at a major junction in Roman Britain where the east to west route from York to Chester intersected with the north to south route from Ribchester to Hadrian's Wall.