It is getting harder and harder to find reliable sources on the early tower.  I am only partly convinced by the following source I found in a bundle of papyrus scrolls floating in a marsh near my home. 

Apparently the review of food writer Peristalsus of Gusto from his ancient classic  1001 Nights Out:

"The tower is like a big wedding cake,  luscious and lavish.  I want to eat the whole thing with a small spoon, so it will last."