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Timeline Event

Númenóreans begin to oppress the Men of Middle-earth (estimated date)

Event Type: Military/Strategic

Age: 2nd Age - Rings

Year: 1870

Description:
Tar-Ciryatan ... was a mighty King, but greedy of wealth; he built a great fleet of royal ships, and his servants brought back great store of metals and gems, and oppressed the men of Middle-earth. ...

Tar-Atanamir the Great ... was like his father proud and greedy of wealth, and the Númenóreans in his service exacted heavy tribute from the men of the coasts of Middle-earth. In his time the Shadow fell upon Númenor....

Unfinished Tales, Part 2, Ch 3, The Line of Elros, Kings of Númenor

These things took place in the days of Tar-Ciryatan the Shipbuilder, and of Tar-Atanamir his son; and they were proud men, eager for wealth, and they laid the men of Middle-earth under tribute, taking now rather than giving.

The Silmarillion, Akallabêth

Reign of Tar-Atanamir the Great, thirteenth King of Númenor. The shadow deepens. The King's ships exact heavy tribute from Men on the coasts of Middle-earth.

The Peoples of Middle-Earth, HoME Vol 12, Part 1, Ch 6, The Tale of Years of the Second Age

Moreover, after Minastir the Kings became greedy of wealth and power. At first the Númenoreans had come to Middle-earth as teachers and friends of lesser Men afflicted by Sauron; but now their havens became fortresses, holding wide coastlands in subjection. Atanamir and his successors levied heavy tribute, and the ships of the Númenoreans returned laden with spoil.

The Return of the King, LoTR Appendix A, Annals of the Kings and Rulers: Númenor

Thus it came to pass in that time that the Númenóreans first made great settlements upon the west shores of the ancient lands; for their own land seemed to them shrunken, and they had no rest or content therein, and they desired now wealth and dominion in Middle-earth, since the West was denied. Great harbours and strong towers they made, and there many of them took up their abode; but they appeared now rather as lords and masters and gatherers of tribute than as helpers and teachers. And the great ships of the Númenóreans were borne east on the winds and returned ever laden, and the power and majesty of their kings were increased; and they drank and they feasted and they clad themselves in silver and gold.

The Silmarillion, Akallabêth

The Numenoreans now make permanent dwellings on the shores of Middle-earth, seeking wealth and dominion; they build many havens and fortresses. The Elf-friends go chiefly to the North-west, but their strongest place is at Pelargir.... The King's Folk establish lordships in Umbar and Harad and in many other places on the coasts of the Great Lands.

The Peoples of Middle-Earth, HoME Vol 12, Part 1, Ch 6, The Tale of Years of the Second Age

[Note: the date is an estimate, set to immediately follow the event Tar-Ciryatan becomes King of Númenor.]

Contributors:
Elena Tiriel 12Nov05

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