Second age

Near-Harad
c.1-200 Apysan people (S “Meek Wanderers”, the later Haruze) migrate through the Gap of Khand and the Ered Harmal into Harad. Some of these settle the Vale of Harnen (Saromis) and its adjoining lands to the north and south.

c.350 The first camel caravans begins crisscrossing Harad.

c.500 The Sinda calls the inhabitants of the Vale of Harnen the Haruze (Godly people), a name derived from both Elvish and Apysani roots.

500 – 1000 Sauron resurfaces in Endor and is soon, once again, bent on its domination. Through his works, many dark religions  and ways flourish amongst the Aravador.

c.600 The Wandering Dwarves are the first to name the desert peoples the Haradrim.

680 Two Variag tribes, the Ororath and the Omodath, migrate through the Gap of Khand (v. Khandu Prakhod).

c.700 The Iorag tribes of Nurn and Pushtrava awaken a dangerously wild Devam, a Maia spirit of Fire, The Talmorng (Io “Beauty and Pain”), or a Narlthryg in human fana. The Talmorng leads orcs and the Iorag tribes into the Vales of the Saromis (Harnen, Ode Pezar) to the conquest of the First Empire of Harad.

c.710 In the valley of Ayn Arom, where the northern and eastern branch of the Saromis meet, the Talmorng establishes the stronghold of Korb Devral. The Talmorng rules Men and the few surviving Devam followers.

725-27 First Voyage of Aldarion, Prince of Numenor, near the Cape of Andrast.

c.730 In response to an appeal from the Sinda of Edhellond, a fleet of swan-ships sent by Gil-galad and commanded by Glorfindel, is sent to confront the Talmorng, who foolishly considered the Noldo Host as weak and asked them to worship him. The Talmorng is defeated by Glorfindel, Captain of the Noldor.

c.730-740 Civil war in the Realm of the Talmorng between the Heirs of the Talmorng, the Orag (Ha “the Spiritborn”) born of Devam and mortal women. Meklak son of the Talmorng seizes control of the Realm.

c.740 The rules of Meklak the first Autarb (Ha “Greater Ordainer”, or “Lawgiver”) first established in Harad. His accomplishments (the building of stone-faced roads) are great, but his vices and evils are greater. The fear of war is replaced by the fear of the tyrant. Meklak declares all Dunedain as enemies of his realm.

750 Founding of the Guild of Venturers.

750 - 80	Several more Variag tribes make their way south to avoid the aggressions of Meklak, settling  along the Noz Peka (Ha “Saromis”, V “Knife River”) and the fertile vales of the Ered Harmal. Fighting and raiding between tribes is incessant, each struggling for premium pastures and water supplies. the Variag enslave or drive south the Apysaic tribes living on the borders of the Ered Harmal. These desert lands of the Haradwaith are renamed Kha-on (V “Land of Horses and Sun”) or Khand.

c.860 Captured by Meklak warriors on the Nen Umbar Bay of a Venturer ship, commanded by Baian of Syntar, a cousin to Prince Aldarion and a fiery spirit herself. Baian of Syntar kills Meklak.

871 – 878 A Numenorean expedition, led by Er-Endohir of Nindamos, explores Central Middle-Earth. The contingent rides through the Gap of Khand in 873 and encounters Variag raiders in the following year. Their strong arms and armor  save them from slaughter and soon they push south, to Harad.

c. 900 The Variag tribes of Khand, long-steeped in dark worships, begin to lessen their warring ways and unite  through their common religious beliefs. A true society begins as the first set of laws, devised by clan Vracarathi (V.Woman of Power), spreads through the tribal confederations. Sauron, passing through Khand, has much influence on these developments.

c..900 Moon-worshipping Haradrim clansmen, the Kibic (a league of warriors and sorcerers, Ha “Righteous Followers”), appear out of the southern desert and destroy the reign of the Narlthryg-worshippers (Meklak and Orag Lords) in Near Harad. The middle Saromis is renamed Ode Pezar (Ha “River of the Knife”).

c.930 The Haruze traditions (law, religion, trade) are established during the first century of Kibic rule. Development of the religion of Ladnoca the Moon Goddess, Vatra the Sun God, Arom the Huntsman, and Lilis, the Mother of Harvests and Keeper of Passions, for the most known.

c.930-1350 The Haruze Kibic Heroic Age. War and strife between various kingdoms, city states and merchant leagues (as the Kibic never created a unified state).

c. 1000	Sauron, the second of the Great Enemies of the Haruze, alarmed by the growing power of the Numenoreans, chooses Mordor as a land to make into a stronghold. He begins the building of Barad-dur.

1033 The Kibic, an alliance of Haruze lords manage to drive Variag raiders away from the eastern lowland reaches of the Ode Pezar. They gather the help of the Ehazt Dwarves and the Chyans of the Ered Harmal. The Kibic lords establish the new realm of Lurmsakûn, whose capital is the beautiful city of Korb Devral.

1050 Sturlurtsa (somewhat nicknamed the City of Terror by Haruze and Chyans), the chief Variag fortress city is built in a valley near the headwaters of the Ode Pezar. This is from that fortress that the Variag start their deadly offensive against Lurmsakûn and the Chyan Empire.

1050-1240 The Haruze drive out the Orcs from Ausk Dubat, who are helped in secret by Sauron. This conquest is the last of the Heroic Age. The Haruze cleanses Ausk Dubat of it´s monsters, creating glorious legends in the process. The valley is renamed Chelkar (Ha “Sheltered Home”), and the river the Ode Auchel (Ha “River of the Great Sheltering”).

1123 Korb Devral is renamed Korb Taskrel, after the local dynasty of Stone Kings.

1150 The Kibic realms allow the Numenoreans (and especially the members of the Guild of Venturers) to found trading stations around the mouth of the Saromis., and authorize them to travel inland to Pezarsan and Lurmsakûn.

1200 Sauron as Annatar endeavors to seduce the Eldar. Gil-galad refuses to treat with him; but the smiths of Eregion are won over. The Numenoreans begin to make permanent havens.

1250 Two small Numenorean expeditions -- one marching eastward from the Nan Harnen, the other moving northward from the Bay of Ormal -- meet at Ovatharac, an oasis in Southern Khand. After a very tense meeting with the local Variag Osvodar (v. Lord), they exchange gifts and establish agreements on trade. The Tengwar is first introduced to the Variags at this time.

1278 The whole of Lower Khand is united under a King. First League of Merchants is formed in Near Harad to oppose Variag expansion.

1281 New military and religious orders are formed. The most important is the Nuzhaj (Ha “Brethren of Charity”), composed of warriors and priests dedicated to the harsher Haradon gods, particularly Vatra the Sun and Makusset the Speaker of Dooms. Their Holy Teachers preach Harad for Haradrim, and blame the Elves and the Numenoreans for all the evils that occurred in Haradwaith.

1330-50 Except for some small Kibic realms in Pezarsan, riots occurs in all Kibic cities. All people who are fond for elvish songs or friendly with Numenoreans are condemned to death by the Nuzhaj. A new aristocracy replaces the Kibic lords.

1350-80 All the Numenorean trading havens in Haruzan are unsuccessfully besieged by the Nuzhaj armies. Instead, the Nuzhaj appeases their fury on the Sakalai of the coastlands, nominally under Dunadan protection.

c.1400 Brief Nuzhaj conquest of the Emyn Laer, never ruled by the Kibic and slaughter of the Donan fisher-folk and Hawnin elves. The Nuzhaj are repelled the following year by the Daen and Nandor populations.

1477 The Nuzhaj Etemeran (Ha “Warlords”) try to resolve their quarrels during a Conclave along the Huk Saromis near Nurn, but they are all slain or captured, and forced to declare Karm of Nurn as the Autarb of all Haruzan. c. 1480	The Autarb Karm of Nurn (from the Karmilan dynasty), secretly oath-sworn to Sauron, extends his domains from the northern reaches of Mordor across the Harnen and Pezarsan, subjugating both Nuzhaj and Kibic rulers. His oppressive rule bars most outsiders from entering these lands save along the river trading routes, effectively masking the workings of his master in Mordor.

c. 1500 The elven-smiths, instructed by Sauron, reach the height of their skill. They begin the forging of the Rings of Power.

c. 1600	Sauron forges the One Ring at Orodruin. Several proofs are seen in all the Westlands.

1693 – 99 At Sauron's bidding, Variags, Haruze and Orcs join his armies in the assault upon Eregion.

1700 A great fleet from Numenor lands at Lindon. The elves and men of Numenor unite to defeat Sauron.

1701-70 Haruze, assisted by Numenorean adventurers, reclaim the Harnen valley and drive the Variags back into Khand. The Kings of Korb Taskrel become the most powerful rulers of Near Harad. The Haruze embarks on a crusade (the Zinazpesar, or “Laying of the Knife”) against the remaining Nuzhaj of Pezarsan and Lurmsakûn.

1772-1803 Tuchik Cheyan, the son of a Chey warlord and a Haruze mother, leads a major migration of plains tribes into Lurmsakûn. He subdues Pezarsan and Chelkar and defeats Korb Taskrel (Amrun) and allies lords of Haruzan. Since both Numenorean and Sauronic minions are slain in his wars, Tuchik becomes a legendary hero among the indigenous peoples of western Endor. After his death, most of his conquests in Near Harad are lost to local dynasties, but Numenorean influence is also reduced.

1880 Mûrazôr, third son of King Tar-Ciryatan, seizes Vinyalondë, and besieges his brother Imrazôr, Captain of the Venturers, at Pelargir.

1882 Mûrazôr relocates to Umbar, claiming royal authority on the basis of his command of the Venturers.

1883 Tar-Ciryatan quells Mûrazôr’s rebellion. The King rewards Imrazôr with the guardianship of Pelargir, but dissolves the Guild of Venturers.

1914 Adûnaphel arrives in Middle-earth and establishes her dominion from the ancient Daen/Haruze holy site of Vamag on the peninsula of Umbar, holding the coastlands as far north as Ethir Harnen. She takes the name of Ard Vedaraba (Ha “Ard (Adun) the Shining Lady”).

1968 Kionvad Achef, Khur of the Lâorkí seat, is murdered by Khodid Uprava. Khodid assumes the throne, sending Kionvad's sons, Kîonid and Mionid, into exile.

1970 Uvathar Achef is born in the Caves of Olbamarl. His father Kîonid Achef was an exiled Variag Prince from Lâorkí in Eastern Khand.

1988 Battle of Noz Peka – Khodid King of Upper Khand is overthrown by Kionid's rebel army. Kionid is killed in the battle, leaving his younger brother, Mionid, to assume the throne. Following tradition, he orders Uvatha slain. Uvatha flees to Sturlurtsa.

1989 Uvatha joins the army of the Khurdriag of Lower Khand, Urig Urpof.

1989-99 Uvatha’s reputation grows, fed by his victories won against the Haradrim tribes of the south. Uvatha conquers Lurmsakûn from the last of its Chey-Haruze Warlords.

1994 Uvatha Achef besieges and sacks Hamat Maresh, the chief city of Lurmsakûn. Most of its population is sold into slavery. The Merchant Princes of Lurmsakûn and Pezarsan offer tribute and allegiance to the warlord.

1999 Uvatha is appointed Warlord (v. Osvodeg) of the Lower Khand Army.

2000 Uvatha deposes and kills Urig, ending the Urpof Dynasty. Next he leads his army north and crushes the horse warriors of Upper Khand and slaughters his uncle in the Battle of Olbarmal Plains ( v. “Long Rider”). Khand is united under one ruler for the first time in it's history.

2000 – 3200 Khand's first Great Age - With Uvatha leading, the Variag expand their borders deep into the north and south (Lurmaskûn, Arysis and Siakan), exacting brutal tolls and steep tribute from their conquered enemies. Khand-Khurvesra rises to empire. In the north, the Nuriag of Nurad and many Asdriag lords fall under the Variag shadow. South of Khand, the trade routes of the Ered Harmal fall within Uvatha's grasp, as do the tribes of the Clean and lands. Many princes of the Harad kneel before Khand-Khurvesra's might. Soon the Variag Empire stretches from the Oasis of Suda Cull and Pelepelplu in the south, up to the banks of the Talathrant and the shores of the sea of Rhun in the north, bordered between by the Ered Harmal and the Deserts of Haradwaith. Many important trade routes pass through this vast region, each adding to the strength and riches of Uvatha's domain.

2002 Sauron gives the final ring of power to the new Variag Khurdriag.

2005 The free cities of Chelkar become vassal of the Variag realm.

2005-2031 The First Pezarsan Wars. Uvatha conquers Pezarsan and drives down the Harnen. Adunaphel of Vamag organizes a resistance among the Haruze after Korb Taskrel (later called Amrun) switches sides and the Numenorean governor of Umbar is slain in battle. Most of Pezarsan is free of the Variags after a support force arrives from Numenor, but Adunaphel remains the most powerful force in Western Near Harad.

c.2100 Conflict between Uvatha and Adunaphel virtually ceases as their rings of power bring them both under Sauron’s control. Uvatha extends his power deep into central Harad.

2155 – 2693 The First Chey Expansion The Chey, led by Ren Jey, a.k.a. the Fire King, attack to the northeast and southwest, conquering and incorporating the regions of Dalpygis, Heb-Aaraan and Orgothroath into their kingdom. Thanks to Sauron's influence, their is little pressure from the Variag, allowing the Chey conquests to proceed unimpeded.

2221 Upon Tar-Ancalimon’s ascension to the throne of Numenor, the Numenoreans are divided into two parties : the King’s Men and the Faithful. Many of the Faithful begin to emigrate to Pelargir to live under Imrazôr’s authority. Numenoran settlement of Eriador, Lebennin and Anfalas expands.

2251 Rebellion and division of the Numenoreans begins. About this time the Nazgûl or Ringwraiths, slaves of the Nine Rings, first appear.

2280 Adunaphel declares herself Autarb of all Haruzan, and orders to the Haruzan tribes to start an assault against Umbar. At Dagor-i-Glingalas (Battle of the Gleaming Stone), her troops are defeated. Adunaphel is forced to abandon her coastal dominion of Vamag for the safety of inland Lugarlûr in Chelkar, where she is soon known as the Dark Lady of Chelkar. The Numenoreans establish the domain of Harnendor. The Iant Carnen is built. Umbar is made into a great fortress of Numenor.

2281 Following the battle of the Gleaming Stone, the Numenoreans subdue the strategic city of Korb Taskrel, renamed Amrûn (S “Sunrise”), and establish the fortress of Tirith Argon at Amrûn to watch over the western Haruze. Gobel Ancalimon is founded as a Numenorean colony at Iant Harnen.

2284-2285 Construction begins on the Hyarmen. Fortification of Gobel Mírlond and Ramlond. Governors of Lower Harnendor (Gobel Ancalimon) and Upper Harnendor (Amrûn) are subservient to the governor of Umbar.

2285 The Numenoreans pave the Rath Khand from Umbar to Amrûn.

2287 The Men Harnen built between Amrûn and Tharven.

2295-2302 The Second Pezarsan War. A Numenorean expedition is sent to hunt out the servants of Adunaphel in Pezarsan and defeats a Variag army and drives into Lurmsakun. 2374-84	The Third Pezarsan War. After local squabbles interrupt trade, the Numenoreans destroy the western army of the Variags. A fifty year truce establishes extraterritorial rights for Numenoreans from the mouth of the Harnen eastward onto the Chey Prairies. Pezarsan is left under the rule of Haruze ‘Merchant Princes’ while Lurmsakûn is left to Uvatha.

2432 The Hyarmen completed at Hyarpendë.

2899 Ar-Adûnakhôr takes the scepter. As the persecution of the Faithful increases, many seek new homes in Endor and build manor or farms in Lebennin.

2899–3261 The Second Chey Expansion. During this period, the Kingdom of Chey Sart reaches its greatest size. Vaag Acaana and Western Gaathgykarkan fall by S.A. 2936. Ren's armies then turn northward to concentrate on the incorporation of the Kargagis Ahar and the rich territory of Rycolis. These wars last two centuries. By S.A. 3260, Ren lays claim to the entire Talathrant Valley.

3102 Ar-Gimilzôr places Pelargir under military supervision. Restrictions placed on the Pelargirian League dampens their trade along the Hyarmentie, to the profit of Haruze merchants.

3177 Repentance of Tar-Palantir. Civil war in Numenor.

3192 The Men Harnen is extended from Tharven to Mithlond.

3210 Methiant Rath Khand built.

3230-35 The lords of Pezarsan declare themselves independent. Pharazôn, a nephew of Tar-Palantir who had made his reputation in several colonial wars, suppresses the revolt with fire and carnage. He plans a campaign against the Realm of Chelkar, but must renounce to his ambitions due to the force of Sauron’s vassal states.

3250 Uvatha leads his Variag across Relmether and over the Talathrant. For the next two years, the Variag fight beside the Chey warriors of the Fire King, leading to the Chey conquest of the Kargagis Ahar. These final battles come to be known by the Ahar as the First Variag Wars.

3255 Ar-Pharazôn the Golden seizes the scepter. Sauron renews his claim to be the King of Men and Master of the World. An army composed of Nurniag, Variag, Haruze and Chey move towards Near Harad. 3261 Ar-Pharazon, leading the vast Numenorean fleet, lands at Umbar. His army pushes deep into Endor, sending Sauron's servants fleeing before its might.

3262 Numenorean armies drive as far as the Ered Harmal over the next few years, slaughtering the cream of the Haruze aristocracies and sacking most of their important cities, including Sturlurtsa. Sauron is taken as prisoner to Númenor.

3265 Sauron and Ar-Pharazôn found the Cult of Melkor in Numenor. Faithfuls first, and captives from Endor second, are sacrificed to the glory of Melkor. The Haruze live in fear for five decades, but never without hope. The Faithfuls seek protection among the Elves, among the wild folk of Gondor or the urdwan of Harnendor.

3265-3319 Fuinur and Herumor, two descendants of Imrazôr, become the leaders of the nomads of Haruzan, assuming the names of Stormheart and Windsword. They lead a war against the slavers of Numenor.

3310 Ar-Pharazôn begins the building of the Great Armament.

3319 The Downfall of Numenor. Uvatha briefly returns to Sturlurtsa, then rides to Mordor to serve his master.

3319 – 3434 Uvatha serves as a messenger and general, calling upon allies and organizing troops in preparation for the wars against the Last Alliance. During his absence Khand's authority structure begins to crumble. Osvodar of regions distant from Khand become more and more confident in their own power. By the early 3400's small dictatorships are splintering off the empire and many tribes are ruling themselves.

3320 Foundation by Elendil of the Realms-in-Exile, Arnor and Gondor. Only Umbar, supported by a meager opposition in Pelargir and Belfalas, stands against Isildur and Anarion. Fuinur attempts to put himself as an alternative choice for renewing the Line of Kings, but he is ignored. Fuinur and Herumor steal the Karma of Aldarion, fleeing with their followers to Umbar, where civil strife has erupted between the adherents and opponents of the Cult of Melkor. Fuinur and Herumor play the deciding role in the defeat of the cult, and later use their newfound influence to establish a kingdom for themselves among the Haruze.

3321 A local Haruze hero, Akil, reestablishes the line of the Taskrel, the Stone Kings, in Amrûn. Korb Ugarta is refounded. The Nuzhaj are revived in Near Harad. Harnendor, Pezarsan, and Lurmsakun are liberated from Dunadan colonials and Variags.

3322 A Council of Captains, patterned after the old ruling council of the Guild of the Venturers, takes control of all the lands of the Nen Umbar.

3345 Uvatha returns to Sturlurtsa, and gathers the Variag tribes under his command. The cult of the Dark Lady rises again in Chelkar and Pezarsan, and subtly influence their Lords.

3365 The Eastern lands of Near Harad (Pezarsan and Chelkar) pay again tribute to the Variags.

3400 Fuinur sends an embassy to Isildur and Anarion, declaring his independence from their rule, and advocating a peaceful coexistence between Gondor, Umbar and Harad. Isildur and the Council of Pelargir grudgingly accept his terms, having neither the desire nor the strength to make war upon Umbar.

3429 Beginning of the Seventh War of Powers, known in the West as the War of the Last Alliance. The Taskreels of Amrûn take side with the forces of Ard and Uvatha. Sauron attacks Gondor, takes Minas Ithil. Anarion defends Minas Anor and Osgiliath, but Harithilien is ravaged by the forces of Sauron, led by Adûnaphel and Uvatha. Lebennin is also attacked, and Pelargir is unsuccessfully assaulted by Fuinur and Herumor’s forces, though the haven’s outer defenses suffer great damages.

3430 The Last Alliance of Men and Elves is formed.

3434 The host of the Alliance crosses the Misty Mountains. At Sauron’s defeat on the battle of Dagorlad, Fuinur withdraws to Umbar with the Karma of Aldarion then disappears. All Near Harad rises in revolt against the forces of the Shadow.

3441 Barad-Dur is broken and Sauron is overthrown. The Nazgûls pass into shadow.