The three exposed sides were rendered fireproof with iron plates, and stories divided the interior, connected by two broad flights of stairs, one for ascent and one for descent.

Apertures, shielded by mechanically adjustable shutters, lined with skins stuffed with wool and seaweed to render them fireproof, perforated the forward wall of the tower for firing the missile weapons.

As the Helepolis was pushed towards the city, the Rhodians managed to dislodge some of the metal plates, and Demetrius ordered it withdrawn from battle to protect it from being burned.

By cover of night, he had the Rhodians knock a hole through the city wall to channel large amounts of water, mud and sewage onto the area where the Helepolis was expected to attack the following day.

In subsequent ages, siege engineers continued to use the name helepolis for moving towers which carried battering rams, as well as for machines for throwing spears and heavy stones.