The Elgin Marbles Controversy Explained

The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Sculptures, have been at the centre of a new political storm this week.

Rishi Sunak accused the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, of 'grandstanding' during his visit to the UK.

But how has a collection of two and a half thousand-year-old artefacts caused such a serious diplomatic row?

#greece #politics #uk

[xavierhucklenbruch]

He is not a leader... he is a baby... sad too see a teaboy in charge of britain

[daffyddduck]

Oh just give them back, life really is too short

[oliurrahman]

When a theif steals and makes excuses he still remains a theif

[mwsaab]

Why is there even debate about such artifacts? They originated grom Greece - they belong in Greece. Simples.

[Gaskinmoo]

Hasn't he ever loaned a DVD. You would never see them again. But maybe they do belong where they originally come from. Unlike in the past Greece is more than capable of looking after them now.

[williamj]

There has been multiple instances in their history where they wouldn't exist if not for the British. This includes the period when they were purchased, as the Ottomans were grinding the artifacts down into mortar at the time. They've been curated and protected by the British Museum for over 200 years. I'm all for a loan, but I believe they are where they should be.

[reginaldamoah]

What's the big deal just play nice and give them back their stuff. We've got more than enough aquired items from all over the world to keep us entertained. It's not like they're asking us to return the crown jewels or Gibraltar. They could probably do a 3D printed copy from the original for us to show in the British museum.

[knightstemplar]

Ffs just give the artefacts back if we need to see them a nice holiday with sun, sea, sand and a little culture

[jakkuwolfinsomnia]

Greece see it as their goods were stolen, UK sees it as honest purchasing of these artefacts. Considering Greeks put these marbles on the black market the Brits would have no way of knowing they were stolen. I can see both sides

Personally, I believe an artefact should be in a museum of its indigenous nation. But given that this is outside the government’s power makes it very tricky indeed. The British Museum’s idea to loan them is the most feasible option at this point since getting around to editing the Museum Act would be insanely long-winded. Parliament is struggling to get any act through the House of Lords at this point

[xenbo]

i wonder who greeks living in the UK will vote for in the next election lol.

[leticiacampos]

It belongs to them. Why is it so hard to do the right thing and give the items back?

[lilj]

I want my 1st car back if this kind of thing works out for greece

[elliemarkidou]

They are PART of the Parhenon sculptures, decorating the front of one of the most famous ancient monuments.

[victory]

Museums have items from around the world not just from their own country. I’m sure Greek museums will have artefacts from other countries.

[DonaldMellor]

There is an ongoing debate in the media regarding whether the Elgin Marbles should be returned to Greece. Personally, I find myself indifferent to the outcome of this discussion, as I have never had the opportunity to visit the British Museum and have no plans to do so in the future.

However, I hold the understanding that the Elgin Marbles were acquired by Lord Elgin, who reportedly compensated the authorities for them. Furthermore, my belief is that the government at that time conducted an investigation to determine the fairness of the acquisition, ultimately concluding that it was legitimate and just.

Given these circumstances, one might question why there is a push to return the marbles to Greece when they seem to rightfully belong to the United Kingdom.

[Struieboy]

If all museums were forced to return all their artefacts to their country of origin, most museums would be almost empty.

[MichaelCampin]

We the UK protected the Marbles from further damage as they are a historical artefact.

[felizeumida]

We have this discussion every half a year, last time it was Egypt kicking up a fuss, and before that it was another distraction like Shamima Begum.

[kathylovejoy]

The Elgin Marbles belong to Greece, return them 👍

[Trevster]

If they were actually stolen they should be returned, if Greece profited in any way from a sale then they belong to the purchaser. Just my view.