On the far west of the Women’s Court was the great Nicanor Gate which stood at the east side of the Court of Israel. 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 gate itself was located on the west end of the Women's Court and lined up with the portal of the porch.