Armenelos, also known as the City of the Kings, Armenelos the Golden or Arminalêth, was the capital city of Númenor. It was the fairest of all cities on the island and in later years possibly the largest after Andúnië declined.
It was situated on a hill in eastern central Númenor, in the district called Arandor, the Kingsland, close to the Meneltarma. The chief road of Númenor ran through the royal city, eastward it led to the haven of Rómenna while westward it led to Andúnië.
Armenelos contained the King's house, a tower and a citadel that had been built by Elros, as well as the King's Court, the place where the White Tree Nimloth grew. At the top of the tower of the King's palace was an eyrie where a pair of great eagles lived on the bounty of the King from the time of Elros until the time of Tar-Ancalimon.
Armenelos was founded as far back as the end of the First Age, when the Edain first migrated to the island. Conceivably Arandor was the first district they settled after landing in a firth that later led to the haven of Rómenna.
In S.A. 32, the coronation of Elros in Armenelos marked the beginning of the Númenórean realm.
The Elves of Eressëa brought many gifts to Númenor, one of which was a seedling of the White Tree Celeborn and it grew in the courts of the King in Armenelos and it was named Nimloth.
In S.A. 870, the city celebrated the wedding of the King's Heir Aldarion and Erendis.
Near the end of the Second Age, the Temple was built in the city by order of the King's adviser Sauron and the White Tree Nimloth was burned on its altar and later human sacrifice was performed there.
The city was destroyed in the Downfall of Númenor.
Artwork
Armenelos from the House of Aldarion
David Greset