Thirty-eight compartments surrounded the Mikdash: Fifteen in the south, fifteen in the north and eight in the west. These were compartments of three stories. It was possible to pass from one compartment to another, as each compartment had at least three openings. In addition to this, the lower compartments were equipped with an opening leading to the one above them. Some say the compartments served as storage place. 
The Water Channel
Contents:   Part I,    Part II,    Part III,    Part IV,    Part V,    Part VI,    Part VII