Quote:
Originally Posted by The Might
Then again as mentioned above all great buildings needed such technology.
Simply look at the descriptions of Minas Tirith, the Hornburg or best of all Orthanc. The Gondorians had to have used some advanced technology, probably similar to the Middle Ages way of building cathedrals.
Also look at the palantiri and other works of the Noldor, some that don't even exist in our world.
What I think is also important to keep in mind here is that this kind of advanced technology in M-e is almost always associated with magic.
And it is clear why.
For Men or Dwarves Elvish discoveries might seem works of conjurers rather then scientific discoveries.
Easy to compare it with science in the Middle Ages. Discover something new and you would probably be called a warlock.
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Yep. Smiths used to be viewed as magicians at one time, having the seemingly magical power to transform mere rocks and earth into metal, into swords and axes. We have Wayland's Smithy, so named after the Norse/Saxon god Wayland who was a Smith - though the actual tomb has supposedly had an associated legend with a magical blacksmith even before this date. Alchemy still has magical connotations even now.
Funny how some of Tolkien's more powerful beings are also associated with metal crafts - Saruman, Sauron, Aule...not to forget Feanor of course. And Eol, amking swords from meteorites. And the whole Dwarven race.
Now as for constructing places like Minas Tirith, advanced technology as we know it wouldn't necessarily be needed - what about constructions from the ancient world such as the Great Pyramids? Stonehenge?