Continuing eastward through the Court of the Women was a semicircular staircase and the magnificent Nicanor Gate. Josephus mentioned the Great Gate at this location in Wars 5. It was fashioned of magnificent brass and led down to a 15 step stairway to the Court of Women. According to the Mishnah (Middoth 2) these steps in front of the Nicanor Gate were curved. The stairs were located on the west end of the Women's Court and lined up with the portal of the porch. It was on these circular stairs in front of the Nicanor Gate that the Levites would sing choirs.