In 79 C.E., the Roman General Agricola conquered the Manchester region. Just one year later, in 80 C.E., the fort, Mamucium, had been built on a small plateau overlooking the Medlock and Irwell Rivers as a forward defense post for the Roman Empire. The fort quickly became a major station of communication, not only for the region, but for the Empire. Over a 300 year period, the fort transformed from timber and mud, to a substantial stone fortification. It is probable the fort was laid out on a symmetrical north, south, east, and west axies, and would have accommodated around 500 men. The civilian settlement would have likely developed to service military needs, but it appears to have grown into a sizable center in its own right.