[Mithadan]

<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Shade of Carn Dûm
Posts: 263</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE>
Re: The Bridge of Khazad-dum

Yes, there is a lack of textual evidence of dwarven trade to the East. But one does not have to see the sun to know it rises in the morning. The dwarves grew no food of their own (don't make me look for the cite, its out there) and relied upon trade for basic supplies. Eregion was destroyed and nothing took its place. The East Gate of Moria is shut. The nearest trading partners to the West are distant, even after Gondor comes into being. The nearest trading partners are the men of the Anduin vale and the elves of Lorien and Mirkwood until Gondor and Arnor are formed 1700 years after the fall of Eregion. A single file bridge is not sufficient for passage of wagons.

Either we have some VERY hungry dwarves, or they are trading to the East and if they are trading to the East, there is a way for wagons to be loaded or unloaded and materials to get in and out of Moria. Wagonless caravans? Possible but impracticle. We know dwarves use wagons. Dwarves brought goods to Bilbo's farewell party via wagon.

--Mithadan--
"The Silmarils with living light
were kindled clear, and waxing bright
shone like stars that in the North
above the reek of earth leap forth." </p>