Marad

Coordinates: 32°05′34″N 44°47′00″E / 32.09278°N 44.78333°E / 32.09278; 44.78333 (Marad)

Marad (Sumerian: Marda, modern Tell Wannat es-Sadum or Tell as-Sadoum, Iraq) was an ancient Sumerian city. Marad was situated on the west bank of the then western branch of the Upper Euphrates River west of Nippur in modern day Iraq and roughly 50 km southeast of Kish, on the Arahtu River.

The city's ziggurat E-igi-kalama was dedicated to Ninurta the god of earth and the plow, built by one of Naram-Sin's sons, as well as the tutelary deity Lugalmarada (also Lugal-Amarda). The city fell into the bounds of the Akkad after the conquest of Sargon of Akkad.

History

Marad was established ca. 2700 BC, during the Sumerian Early Dynastic II period.

Archaeology

The site of Marad covers an area of less than 124 hectares (500 acres).

Marad was excavated by a team from Qādisiyyah University in 1990 led by Na'el Hannoon, and in 2005 and 2007 led by Abbas Al-Hussainy. Publication of the last two seasons is in progress.

Marad (disambiguation)

Marad may refer to:

United States Maritime Administration

The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation.

MARAD also maintains the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) as a ready source of ships for use during national emergencies, and assists the NDRF in fulfilling its role as the nation's fourth arm of defense, logistically supporting the military when needed.

On June 4, Deputy Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen was named Acting Maritime Administrator. He will serve in this role until the appointment and confirmation of a new Maritime Administrator. Acting Maritime Administrator Jaenichen has been with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration since July 2012 when he was appointed Deputy Maritime Administrator by President Obama.

History

When the United States Maritime Commission was abolished on May 24, 1950, its functions were split between the Federal Maritime Board which was responsible for regulating shipping and awarding subsidies for construction and operation of merchant vessels, and Maritime Administration, which was responsible for administering subsidy programs, maintaining the national defense reserve merchant fleet, and operating the United States Merchant Marine Academy.