[Meela]

That's a good point. My first reaction is to suggest that perhaps armour was not so wealthy in those days, and Gondor could acquire what they needed at low prices, and in large quantity. Perhaps the economy's natural/other resources allowed for it.<P>Also, you compare Rohan and Gondor. My next reaction is to question Gondor's wealth, due to the fact that they have built up a great stone city or two, while Rohan remains a cluster of wooden houses. Is this due to wealth or resources? And if Gondor had any wealth, is it now exhausted or still in existence?