Excavations at Weathertop (Amon Sûl) have uncovered significant evidence of its role as a Númenórean watchtower and the later decline of Arnor. Artefacts including weapons, pottery, and tools reflect the site’s military importance before its destruction by Angmar’s forces. Remains of battle and burnt structures provide insight into the final assault on the tower, while later finds suggest sporadic use by travellers and the Dúnedain. This report examines the site’s stratigraphy and the material culture uncovered, offering a glimpse into the history and symbolic decline of Weathertop as part of Middle-earth’s broader narrative.

TLDR: Tilly and Ash excavate the fantastical site of Weathertop as found in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

Links/Bibliography

Bintliff, J., ed., 2012. Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice. 5th ed. London: Thames & Hudson. Available at: https://archive.org/details/ArchaeologyTheoriesMethodsAndPracticeTheoriesMethodsAndPractice [Accessed 24 March 2025].

Tolkien, J.R.R., 1954. The Fellowship of the Ring. London: George Allen & Unwin. Chapter 10 ("A Knife in the Dark").

Tolkien, J.R.R., 2001. The Lord of the Rings: Appendices. In: The Return of the King. London: HarperCollins.

LOTRO Wiki, 2025. Weathertop. Available at: https://lotro-wiki.com/wiki/Weathertop [Accessed 24 March 2025].

Tolkien, C., 1996. The History of Middle-earth, Vol. 10: The Peoples of Middle-earth. London: HarperCollins. Appendix A (The Tale of Years).

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