Parthenon marbles

The Parthenon marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, are a collection of classical Greek sculptures that originally adorned the Parthenon in Athens.

About this subject

The Parthenon marbles were sculpted between 447 and 438 BC under the supervision of the sculptor Phidias, during the Golden Age of Pericles. They depict scenes from Greek mythology, including the Panathenaic procession and the battle between gods and giants. Originally, they were part of the frieze, metopes, and pediments of the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena on the Acropolis of Athens.

In the early 19th century, Lord Elgin, then British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, obtained a controversial permit to remove about half of the surviving sculptures and transport them to England. Since 1816, they have been housed in the British Museum in London, where they are displayed as a major attraction. The legality and morality of the removal are widely debated.

Greece has long demanded the repatriation of the pieces, arguing that they were taken illegally and are part of Greek cultural heritage. The British Museum maintains that the sculptures were legally acquired and are accessible to a global audience. In 2023, negotiations between the Greek and British governments took place, but no definitive agreement has been reached.

The marbles are considered masterpieces of classical Greek sculpture, influencing artists for centuries. They symbolize the struggle for cultural heritage preservation and the issue of restitution of cultural property. Recent 3D scanning studies are being used to create exact replicas, allowing the public to see how they might have originally appeared.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Parthenon marbles?

They are Greek sculptures from the 5th century BC that adorned the Parthenon in Athens. They depict mythological scenes and were sculpted by Phidias.

Why are the marbles in the British Museum?

They were removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century under Ottoman permission and sold to the British government in 1816.

Has Greece achieved repatriation?

No. Despite constant claims, the British Museum retains the pieces. Recent negotiations have not resulted in an agreement.