The wheels were commonly four-spoked.

When the load had been placed on the cart, it seems to have been in general secured by two bands or ropes, which were passed over it diagonally, so as to cross each other at the top.
[Illustration: PLATE 140] Carts drawn by animals were no doubt used in the country; but they are not found except in the scenes representing the triumphant returns of armies, where it is more probable that the vehicles are foreign than Assyrian.

They have poles--not shafts--and are drawn by two animals, either oxen, mules, or asses.

The wheels have generally a large number of spokes--sometimes as many as eleven.

Representations of these carts will be found in early pages.
The Assyrians appear to have made occasional use of covered carriages.
Several vehicles of this kind are represented on an obelisk in the British Museum.