The ascent to the highest stage, which contained the shrine of the god, was on the outside, and consisted either of steps, or of an inclined plane, carried round the four sides of the building, and in this way conducting to the top.

According to Strabo the tower was a stado (606 feet 9 inches) in height; but this estimate, if it is anything more than a conjecture, must represent rather the length of the winding ascent than the real altitude of the building.

The great pyramid itself was only 480 feet high; and it is very questionable whether any Babylonian building ever equalled it.

About half-way up the ascent was a resting-place with seats, where persons commonly sat a while on their way to the summit.
The shrine which crowned the edifice was large and rich.

In the time of Herodotus it contained no image; but only a golden table and a large couch, covered with a handsome drapery.