Why so little technological advancement in ME? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mhoram · 04-10-2002, 10:40 PM

I would like to make a comparision of the technological advancements in our world versus those of Middle-Earth. First let me outline some dates of technological inventions in Europe.

700 - Stirrups
800s - Rotary Grindstone
800s - Iron first comes to Europe
900 - Horseshoes
1180 - The rudder
1270 - Paper first comes to Europe
1285 - Glasses
1320 - Small cannon

Notice that the elven, dwarven, and mannish technology is almost identical in the third age as it was in the first. From the end of the First Age to the end of the Third is about 6500 years. In all this time we see no obvious advancements in Middle-Earth, whereas here we went from fighting with swords on horses to having heat seeking missles in only 2000 years?

Forgive me for insisting we look at this, I know it is probally best ignored, but I can't resist.

04-10-2002, 10:40 PM	#1
Mhoram Dead and Loving It Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: The land of fast cars and loud guitars. Posts: 361	Why so little technological advancement in ME? I would like to make a comparision of the technological advancements in our world versus those of Middle-Earth. First let me outline some dates of technological inventions in Europe. 700 - Stirrups 800s - Rotary Grindstone 800s - Iron first comes to Europe 900 - Horseshoes 1180 - The rudder 1270 - Paper first comes to Europe 1285 - Glasses 1320 - Small cannon Notice that the elven, dwarven, and mannish technology is almost identical in the third age as it was in the first. From the end of the First Age to the end of the Third is about 6500 years. In all this time we see no obvious advancements in Middle-Earth, whereas here we went from fighting with swords on horses to having heat seeking missles in only 2000 years? Forgive me for insisting we look at this, I know it is probally best ignored, but I can't resist.