1.] [Illustration: PLATE 42] It must not be supposed, however, that the rectangle was always exact.
Sometimes its outline was broken by angular projections and indentations, as in the plan [PLATE XLII., Fig.

21.] where the shaded parts represent actual discoveries.

Sometimes it grew to be irregular, by the addition of fresh portions, as new kings arose who determined on fresh erections.

This is the ease at Nimrud, where the platform broadens towards its lower or southern end, and still more at Koyunjik and Nebbi Yunus, where the rectangular idea has been so overlaid as to have almost wholly disappeared.

Palaces were commonly placed near one edge of the mound--more especially near the river edge probably for the better enjoyment of the prospect, and of the cool air over the water.
The palace itself was composed of three main elements, courts, grand halls, and small private apartments.