ARAD (Sumerogram)

Hittite version of ARAD-(ÌR)[1] and the common cuneiform sign usage in the Amarna letters.
EA 364, from Ayyab.
Line 3: "ardu-ka"-(, "Servant-yours" at, (line 4)-feet-yours, Lord-mine).
(very high-resolution expandable photo)

ARAD, (also ÌR or NITÁ) is the capital letter-(majuscule) Sumerogram for the Akkadian language word "ardu",[2] for servant. It is used especially in the introduction to the Pharaoh: for example "To King, Lord-mine (of Gods(pl)-mine, Sun-god-mine), message thus Xxxxxx, "Servant-yours"-(271). It is also used extensively in Amarna letter texts, the author, usually the "man of a city", (or scribe), where there is a constant reminder that he is a "servant", or "servant-yours"-(of the Pharaoh). Many letters are giving city-state status reports, but many are also requesting help with the Egyptian army troops-(Archers (Egyptian pitati), supplied by the Pharaoh).

  1. ^ Held, Schmalstieg, Gertz, 1987. Beginning Hittite, Glossaries, Sign List, p. 56, ÌR.
  2. ^ Parpola, 1971. The Standard Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, Glossary, pp. 119-145, p. 121, ardu, for "servant".