Atanatar Alcarin (Q. "the Glorious") succeeded his father, Ciryaher (Hyarmendacil I), to the throne when Gondor was at the height of its power. Unlike his vigilant father, however, Atanatar cared little for the security and administration of the realm. He preferred to enrich the cultural life of the South Kingdom and indulge himself in the splendid spoils reaped by his predecessors. Thus, he began the gradual decline of his nation. He ruled from T.A. 1149 until T.A. 1226, and was best known for his monumental works and his penchant for opulent celebrations and ceremonies. At the same time he erected triumphal columns and redesigned the royal jewels, he relaxed the Watch on Mordor and unwittingly invited the resurrection of Gondor's enemies.