The Men of the Sea.....

[Neurion]

Originally Posted by Lindolirian

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.

I'm sorry I have to disagree with your statement there, but maybe I can articulate my view on the matter clearly.

I don't believe that Tolkien would have projected his dislike of Industrial Revolution-type technology onto the Numenoreans; for the most part this sems to be confined to the orcs, Sauron, Saruman, and the men who fell under their sway (though I realize this does include the Numenoreans under Ar-Pharazon).
In my opinion, the Numenoreans sum up Tolkien's view of Good technology (i.e. that which doesn't destroy the surrounding countryside) versus that of Morgoth and his heirs. They had giant monuments and great ships and soldiers clad in armor fashioned of Mithril and bows made of steel, but Tolkien makes no mention of smoke or factories or burning until the completion of Ar-Pharazon's corruption by Sauron, and after the Downfall, the Faithful carried many of the facets of their culture to Middle-Earth with them. Just think of the Argonath, Minas Tirith, etc.

The point is, I think, that it was the Numenoreans abiding fear of death that wreaked their downfall. Tolkien makes the point that the Numenoreans had nigh-on everything one could desire, almost limitless natural resources, including Mithril, a fair island in sight of Aman, freedom from sickness or old age, incredible longevity, safe haven from the wars and strife that plagued most of the world, in short, they were the most blessed of mortals, and yet, after an Age, they still were not satisfied. The inability to percieve Death as the Gift of Men was, I think, the root of the Downfall.