Hyarmentië

The Hyarmentie (Q. "South Way") was the longest stone-paved road in all of Endor and it numbered among the greatest surving engineering works of the Númenóreans.From Hyarpende (opposite Pelargir) in the north to Gobel Metharn in the Utter South, the road measureed over 4,500 miles in length, roughly paralleling the western coast of Endor. Almost 250 miles of it lay within Harondor, between the Harnen and Poros. Another 100 miles lay in Harithilien between Athrad Poros and Hyarpende. Construction of the Hyarmentie north of the Harnen began at Tharven in S.A. 2285, terminating at Hyarpende in S.A. 2432. Starting from Gobel Ancalimon in SA 2284, the Hyarmentie was advanced along the southern bank of the Harnen before turning south towards Umbar. The two road segments linked the long established colony of Umbar with the newly-founded Pelargirean League and the Númenórean possessions along the Harnen. While the design ot the Hyarmentie changed to best suit the land it was passing through, certain elements in its construction remainws constant. Measuring thirty feet in width, the Hyarmentie was broad enough for five wagons to travel abreast without crowding. The roadbed was raised an average of six feet above the surrounding landscape and it kept level or had a mild slope over most of its length. When significant elevation changes had to occur switchbacks kept the grade at one percent (a one-foor vertid elevation change for a hundred-foot horizontal distance ' traveled"; or less.The roadbed was also slightly rounded) with the peak in the center being significantly higher than the edges. Combined with the raised roadbed, this prevented rain from flooding the road surface. I .Leaguestones were spaced along the road every three miles along with a well, cistern, or aqueduct. Way-stations were constructed next to every seventh leaguestone, so that travelers could  periodically rest out of the elements and water their animals. Some of the way-stations had a permanent staff to served the needs of the travelers.

The Hyarmentie had survived the years since its construction with little damage. Weathering had only superficially marked the road and its structures. Only the wars between Gondor and Umbar had caused more severe damage, mostly limited to toppled leaguestones and burned way-stations. When the kings abandond Harondor, attempts to damage the Hyarmentie were largely unsuccessful. What damage was done was eventually repaired by Umbareans from Mirlond and the near Harad lords that occupied western Harondor. In the War of the Ring, the Hyarmentie was the main route for the Haradrim and other invading peoples.