3,867. The Slope of the Temple Mount

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 6:1

The Temple wasn’t built on flat ground; it was inclined on the slope of the Temple Mount. Therefore, one who entered the Temple Mount from the eastern gate would walk to the end of the cheil on one level. He would then ascend from the cheil to the women’s section via 12 steps, each of which was half a cubit* tall by half a cubit deep.

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 6:2

A person then walked through the entirety of the women’s section on one level. From there, one would ascend to the Israelite courtyard, which was the start of the Temple courtyard, via 15 steps. These steps were also half a cubit tall by half a cubit deep.

*Half a cubit = approx. 9”