On the second stage, exactly in the middle, there is evidently a doorway, and on either side of it a shallow buttress or pilaster.

In the centre of the third story, exactly over the doorway of the second, is a squared niche.

In front of the temple, but not exactly opposite its centre, may be seen the _prophylaea,_ consisting of a squared doorway placed under a battlemented wall, between two towers also battlemented.

It is curious that the paths do not lead to the propylaea, but seen to curve round the hill.
[Illustration: PLATE 53] Remains of _ziggurats_ similar to this have been discovered at Khorsabad, at Nimrud, and at Kileh-Sherghat.

The conical mound at Khorsabad explored by M.Place was found to contain a tower in seven stages; that of Nimrud, which is so striking an object from the plain, and which was carefully examined by Mr.Layard, presented no positive proof of more than a single stage; but from its conical shape, and from the general analogy of such towers, it is believed to have had several stages.