The Accursed Years is a name given to the two thousand years of the first period of Sauron's rule over Middle-earth in the latter part of the Second Age. Also called the Black Years and The Dark Years. During this period, Numenor's power grew as the power of Men and Elves grew less from the wars and tyranny of Sauron's rule. The Dark Lord claimed the Rings of Power early on, later forging the One Ring for himself. It ended with the Last Alliance of Elves and Men and destroyed the Dark Tower.