[PLATE XVI.] [Illustration: PLATE XVI.] The faces of the various stages were, as a general rule, flat and unbroken, unless it were by a stair or ascent, of which however there has been found no trace.

But there were two exceptions to this general plainness.

The basement stage was indented with a number of shallow squared recesses, which seem to have been intended for a decoration.

The face of the third stage was weak on account of its material, which was brick but half-burnt.

Here then the builders, not for ornament's sake, but to strengthen their work, gave to the wall the support of a number of shallow buttresses.