The Men of the Sea.....

[Neurion]

Originally Posted by Lindolirian

I have always wondered about the technological abilities of the Numenoreans. Tolkien makes it rather clear that they were the on the cutting edge and were always much more advanced than any other Men and even the Elves of Lindon. This rapid growth of technology makes me wonder how after 3000 years they were still stuck with archery and wind-powered ships when in 2000 years this world has come from Roman warships, catapults and archers (who were in there time very formidable) to today's warfare technology including everything from gunpowder to un-manned aircraft that can destroy a target from hundreds of miles away.
This is were it becomes painfully obvious as to where the creator of Middle Earth stands technologically. Tolkien hated industry and even modeled Mordor after a factory that destroyed a favourite green area of his in England. Tolkien allowed the Numenoreans to be advanced enough to be better than everyone else, but no further because it would have contradicted his entire theme of the evilness of industry.
I'm afraid that your questions concerning the lost technology might remain unanswered because Tolkien wanted it to be lost. If you notice the Numenoreans were destroyed ultimately because of their pride in their accomplishments. The Drowning of Numenor was not only a case of the Valar punishing the rebellious Men, but it was the author hiding their controversial industry and altogether destructive works that he despised so much.
Now if you want to know more about neat weapons and such, you'll probably have to turn to the real worl and research some English longbows or Roman ballistas...

Oh, I've done a good bit of research about English longbows. Actually, that's one of the reasons I started this thread, as the longest recorded shot with an English longbow was 487 yards in 1919, which really makes me wonder how far a longbow made of steel could shoot!