Roman worship was divided into the public and ... Each god needed an image – usually a statue or relief in stone or bronze – and an altar or temple at which to offer prayers and sacrifices.

Over the years, a series of accidental discoveries confirmed the area's Roman history: a pottery workshop, an altar dedicated to Mercury, and amphorae fished from the bay by local sailors.

One of only three altars to survive from Roman Manchester and the first inscription to be found since the 19th century.The Roman altar was set up by a man called Aelius Victor in honour of the ...