These watchtowers had been built specifically to provide warnings of Lamanite incursions (Mosiah 11:12), and that’s exactly what happened. Noah saw the Lamanites in the distance. But why would Noah run up a tower, rather than toward open ground where he would have a better chance of escape? It seems that he “treed” himself. It seems likely that Gideon had effectively seized control of the palace exits. Therefore, Noah’s only hope would have been to find higher ground where he could defend himself. Given the narrow and steep steps of Mesoamerican temples and assuming a similar architecture, it is easy to see how such a “tower” might offer defense possibilities, with Noah on the flat top and Gideon attempting an uphill fight on narrow stairs. From Mormon’s brief hints, it seems that Noah took the only action with any chance of saving his life.