On the base of the staircase were sculptures in a single line--the lion and bull in either spandrel--and between the spandrels eighteen colossal guardsmen, nine facing either way towards a central inscription, which was repeated in other languages on slabs placed between the guardsmen and the bulls.

Above the spandrels, on the parapet which fenced the stairs, was a line of figures representing attendants bringing into the palace materials for the banquet.

A similar line adorned the inner wall of the staircase.
Opposite to this, at the distance of about thirty-two yards, was another very similar staircase, leading up to the portico of another building, erected (apparently) by Artaxerxes Ochus, which occupied the south-western corner of the upper platform.

The sculptures here seem to have been of the usual character but they are so mutilated that no very decided opinion can be passed upon them.
Last of all, a staircase of a very peculiar character, (h on the plan) requires notice.

This is a flight of steps cut in the solid rock, which leads up from the southern terrace to the upper one, at a point intervening between the south-western edifice, or palace of Artaxerxes, and the palace of Xerxes, or central southern edifice.