Chaldaeans, Aramaeans, Armenians, Cilicianns and probably also Egyptians, Ethiopians, Elamites, and Jews, were employed by thousands in the formation of the vast mounds, in the transport and elevation of the colossal bulls, in the moulding of the bricks, and the erection of the walls of the various edifices, in the excavation of the canals, and the construction of the embankments.

They wrought in gangs, each gang having a costume peculiar to it, which probably marked its nation.

Over each was placed a number of taskmasters, armed with staves, who urged on the work with blows, and severely punished any neglect or remissness.

Assyrian foremen had the general direction of the works, and were entrusted with all such portions as required skill or judgment.

The forced laborers often worked in fetters, which were sometimes supported by a bar fastened to the waist, while sometimes they consisted merely of shackles round the ankles.