Why are the Elgin Marbles so controversial?
Many argue that British excavation, transit and preservation of the Elgin marbles have caused more damage than 2,000 years of exposure to natural elements on the Acropolis. Indeed, 19th century London pollution caused such severe discolouration to the stone that restoration was desperately needed.
Why were the Elgin marbles taken from Greece?
Greece has disputed the British Museum’s ownership of the sculptures, maintaining that Lord Elgin removed them illegally while the country was under Turkish occupation as part of the Ottoman Empire. Lord Elgin was ambassador to the Ottoman court of the Sultan in Istanbul in the early 19th century.
Why the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to Greece?
Perhaps the most impassioned argument for the return of the Parthenon sculptures is that the pieces represent a vital and central part of Greek cultural heritage. That they are the most prominent and symbolic link that modern Athens and modern Athenians have with the greatness of their ancient ancestors.
Were the Elgin Marbles returned to Greece?
Boris Johnson won’t return 2,500-year-old Elgin Marbles to Greece as they had been ‘legally acquired’ by British Museum. The 2,500-year-old sculptures were removed from the Acropolis more than 200 years ago and have long been the subject of dispute.
Do you believe the Elgin Marbles should stay in London or should they be returned to Athens?
The legality of the statues is still highly disputed between the U.K. and Greece, with Greek officials arguing that due to the Ottoman’s occupation, the decree was not valid and the Ottomans had no authority over the Parthenon, therefore the marbles should be returned to Athens.
Why won’t the British return the Elgin Marbles?
Who stole the Parthenon Marbles?
Lord Elgin
During the time when Lord Elgin was ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Athens was under its rule. Of the items that Lord Elgin, took from atop the Acropolis, it is estimated that he looted some 247 feet of frieze from the Parthenon, what is commonly referred to today as the so-called “Elgin Marbles”.
Why does Greece want England to return the marbles?
“Since September 2003 when construction work for the Acropolis Museum began, Greece has systematically demanded the return of the sculptures on display in the British Museum because they are the product of theft,” the country’s culture minister Lina Mendoni told the Greek newspaper Ta Nea.
Did Elgin save the marbles?
Whatever Elgin’s motives, there is no doubt at all that he saved his sculpture from worse damage. However, in prising out some of the pieces that still remained in place, his agents inevitably inflicted further damage on the fragile ruin.
Why won’t Britain give Elgin marbles back?
Where are the Elgin Parthenon Marbles currently held and when were they acquired?
Elgin Marbles, collection of ancient Greek sculptures and architectural details in the British Museum, London, where they are now called the Parthenon Sculptures.