And now, we come to the close of the story of the Parthenon.
The period of Pericles marked one of the high points in the history of
the world. A comparison of its characteristics serves to emphasize its
superiority over other epochs in many ways. The Parthenon at Athens was
not merely a wonderful building, but was an expression of Greek mind and
heart. It did not spring up in a day as did Athena from the head of Zeus
but found its roots in the prehistoric altars of their goddess. It was
not built to please individuals but to honor their gods. It is no
wonder, then, that when the Parthenon came into full flower in the "Age
of Pericles" it should have reached that state which the judgment of
succeeding generations has pronounced perfection.
The Parthenon at Nashville stands alone as a portrayal of the Parthenon
of Pericles. It would be too much of a challenge to the antiquity of the
Parthenon to say that every statement made about it in these pages bears
the stamp of absolute authenticity. It can be said, however, that
because of the many facts obtained from the research and the records of
earlier days and because of the eleven years of research and study in
our own times, the Parthenon at Nashville will stand as the last word.
It is difficult to estimate the influence of the Parthenon at Nashville
on the world of today. To those who love the beautiful, either by
instinct or cultivation, the Parthenon is a thing to be revered; to
others it is just another building. To understand and appreciate the
Parthenon it must be studied. We may glance at some buildings and pass
on, but not so with the Parthenon. It is compelling. A revelation of its
balanced lines and its harmony of proportions, its simplicity both
delicate and strong, its subtleties, some bordering on the mystical,
marks the Parthenon as a thing by itself.
[Illustration: The Naos or East Room as Seen Through the Eastern
Doors]
The Parthenon is used only for educational and cultural purposes. Over
four hundred college, high school, and primary school groups visit the
Parthenon each year.
This, then, may be said of the Parthenon: As in the earlier days, even
so now, young and old, rich and poor, alike are made happy by its sheer
beauty and inspired by its history to reach for a higher and better
life.