 The pyramidal structure was superimposed during Persian rule by a massive ashlar podium constructed from heavily <unk> limestone blocks that measured more than 3 metres ( 9 @.@ 8 ft ) across by 1 metre ( 3 @.@ 3 ft ) thick , which were laid down in courses 1 @-@ metre ( 3 @.@ 3 ft ) high . The podium stands 22 metres ( 72 ft ) high , <unk> metres ( 160 ft ) into the hillside , and <unk> a 70 @-@ metre ( 230 ft ) wide façade . The terrace atop of the podium was once covered by a Greco @-@ Persian style marble temple probably built by <unk> artisans around 500 BC . The marble temple has been reduced to a few remaining stone fragments due to theft . 
