Leyte (CVA 32) - Naval Cruise Book

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Tl-IIZNS THE CITY OF ETERNAL SUMMER has a history that is shrouded in darkness and mystery. Little is known of the early days of Athens except that she has an origin which dates back to more than ten centuries before the birth of Christ. Exactly how far back we do not know. We do know, however, that her most flourishing period was in the fifth century B. C. Athens is situated on the central plain of Attica, which is bounffed on the north and northwest by Mounts Parnes and Aegaleos, east and northeast by Pentelikon and Hymettos and on the south by the Gulf of Athens, an arm of the Agean Sea. The site is irregular, the city having been built on and around several hills rising from the plain. The principal eminence Within the city boundary is the Acropolis, the site first built on by the ancient Greeks. This 'mighty hill towers high above' the surrounding hills of the city and is visible for miles around. West from the Acropolis is a lower hill called the Areopagus, southwest from the Areopagus lies the Pynx Hill and near this is the famous Museum Hill. Athens has been known throughout the world as a center of culture and leaifning since her very beginning. The first principles of modern philosophy and mathematics were ex- pounded by her native sons. Home of such mental giants as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, she has given the world an invaluable store of knowledge. The genius of early Athenian architects may be witnessed by observing some of the ruins still existing there. Some of the rnost treasured examples of architecture the world has seen are to be found on the Acropolis and other parts of Athens. Most of these structures have legendary inspira- tions which were held sacred by the Greek of that day. Athens has suffered from the wars of Europe almost from the very day she was founded. In 1456 Athens fell into the hands of the Turks but was soon made free again. During the recent war she was plundered by German troops, and the Acropolis, once the home of democratic thinking, was made to bear the Nazi flag. She is still in the process of recovering from this last conflict which left its mark so plainly on her features. ' Top: From Athens, a tour was conducted to the nearby city of Corinth. The city abounds with historic ancient ruins. CDR Const. Chryssanthis of the Royal Hellenic Navy was greeted by L'I. C. R. Clark, USNR, when he visited the Leyte. A Greek Orphan aspires to fill the shoes of Chief Lakin, Leyte bandmaster. 200 orphans were received aboard for party. Virgil Ritter, a native of Athens Q0hioj by birth, receives a free hot dog at the serv1cemen's canteen, Athens, Greece. 182

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Passing through the Propylaea, one beholds the Parthenon on the south edge of the rocky plateau, the summit of the Acropolis. The Propylaea, monumental entrance gate to the Acropolis. CLARITY OF EFFECT, logical construction, and refinement of detail are qualities which characterize the Greek way of thinking in all its expressive forms. The best examples of ancient Greek architecture are to be found on the his- toric Acropolis at Athens. The main approach to the Acropolis is through the Propylaea on the west side of the hill. Begun in 437 B. C. by Mnesicles, the work was never completed and has suffered much dam- age throughout the years. The most impressive structure on the entire Acropolis is the massive Parthenon. The most complete example of the Doric style in temple architecture ever built, it was begun by Kalli- krates and Iktinos in 447 B. C. and completed fifteen years later. Many volumes could be filled in .describing the merits and beauty of these two structures. Ravaged by the foe in war, beaten by the forces of nature for twenty-three centuries, they retain a classic beauty not duplicated by modern man.