Word of the Day: Osgiliath, the first capital city of Gondor – the southern Númenórean kingdom in exile. It lies between Minas Ithil and Minas Amor. It means ‘Citadel of the Stars,’ as ‘ost-‘ (citadel) and ”giliath’ (star hosts).
Brief History of Osgiliath
It started in the Second Age, by Isildur and Anárion. After this, Sauron took Minas Ithil and moved westward.
But nevertheless, Osgiliath became the largest and most important city. However, there was a decline which started in TA 1437 and continued throughout the Great Plague in 1636, and a giant decrease in population. Many moved to Ithillien, and few returned.
The King’s House, which was originally there, was moved to Minas Anor (which later became Minas Tirith) in TA 1640.
It was taken by Sauron’s forces in June of T.A. 3018, which began the War of the Ring. A full-scale invasion of Gondor occurred in March (as told in LOTR), but it was said that despite the city’s rebuilding, it never restored to its former glory. Minas Tirith remains as the capital of Gondor.
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