The Dark Tower of Barad-dûr was first raised in Mordor during the second millennium of the Second Age. Sauron first dwelt there as its Lord for a period of more than 1,600 years, between about II 1600 (when it was completed) and II 3261 (when he travelled to Númenor for a time). He returned to become the Lord of the Dark Tower again after the Downfall of Númenor, and soon after began his wars with its exiles, under Elendil and his heirs.
The first of those wars ended after the Siege of Barad-dûr, when its Lord Sauron was thrown down, and his spirit cast out of his body. After that time, Barad-dûr was demolished, and the ways into Mordor were guarded by the Gondorians to prevent its old master's return. So Sauron was an exile from his own land throughout most of the Third Age, but late in that Age, with the guard of Gondor long since abandoned, he took his opportunity to escape back into Mordor, and rebuild the Dark Tower. From that time, and throughout the War of the Ring, he became the Lord of Barad-dûr once more.
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- Updated 20 June 2023
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