However, unlike Egyptian pyramids, the façade of Ziggurats was not smooth but tiered to fit the labor done at the building as well as the governmental control and religious rites required in Ancient Near Eastern communities. The first level was made of limestone with flat surfaces that would have been painted red, white or black. On this surface were carved images of gods who were thought to protect cities from harm during war or other disasters. Carved images of animals were placed on the next level, which was also made of limestone. Finally, the top level was made of clay. Ziggurats were used for worship by priests who had special access to these temples. Priests would have led ceremonies dedicated to helping cities win wars, ensure victory over enemies, or provide good harvests. They would have sung, danced, and made sacrifices to ensure good luck for their communities. Because priests lived inside the temple, they needed safe places where they could pray alone without being disturbed. So the kings who controlled cities built many structures for priests to use. Some of these were small rooms within the main temple where one priest might live while serving as leader of the community's cult. Others were larger buildings where several priests could live and work together. The most important place for a priest to pray alone was called the "holy of holies".