In the ruins of Memphis, I have observed walls still standing from thirty to forty feet in height.

The builders took no precaution beyond enlarging the base of the wall, and vaulting the floors (fig.

2).[1] The thickness of an ordinary wall was about sixteen inches for a low house; but for one of several storeys, it was increased to three or four feet.

Large beams, embedded here and there in the brickwork or masonry, bound the whole together, and strengthened the structure.

The ground floor was also frequently built with dressed stones, while the upper parts were of brick.
The limestone of the neighbouring hills was the stone commonly used for such purposes.