What Are The Greek Marbles
The elgin marbles are a source of controversy between modern britain and greece it s a collection of stone pieces rescued removed from the ruins of the ancient greek parthenon in the nineteenth century and now in demand to be sent back from the british museum to greece.
What are the greek marbles. Today we write to you as members of the congressional caucus on hellenic issues to urge your government to negotiate with the greek government in earnest on the return of the. The elgin marbles a collection of stone sculptures and inscriptions more properly known as the parthenon sculptures was acquired by lord elgin in athens greece between 1801 and 1805 and today lives in london s british museum. The parthenon marbles greek. Elgin marbles collection of ancient greek sculptures and architectural details in the british museum london where they are now called the parthenon sculptures.
Sculptures which form part of the elgin marbles taken from the. In many ways the marbles are emblematic of the development of modern ideas of national heritage and global display which. Greece on saturday urged britain to return the parthenon marbles often known as the elgin marbles as one of the world s greatest ancient sites the acropolis re opens after the coronavirus. The elgin marbles are a collection of classical greek marble sculptures inscriptions and architectural members that were mostly created by phidias and his assistants.
Some types of greek marble are translucent whilst others demonstrate a variety of patterns and formations such as waves streaks swirls etc. The letter stated the marbles have been the source of controversy among western allies for many decades. They were originally part of the temple of the parthenon and other buildings on the acropolis of athens. The objects were removed from the parthenon at athens and from other ancient buildings and shipped to england by arrangement of thomas.
The parthenon marbles a group of sculptures statues inscriptions and architectural elements depicting scenes from greek mythology were once part of the parthenon. Greece has long wanted these parthenon marbles back.