A ziggurat had multiple levels, each smaller than the one below.
These early cities, which existed by 3500 bc, were called temple towns because they were built around the temple of the local god. The temples were eventually placed atop towers called ziggurats. A ziggurat had multiple levels, each smaller than the one below. Ramps or staircases wound up around the exterior. Public buildings and marketplaces were built around these shrines.