Controversy Reignites as British MPs Propose Finally Returning Ancient Parthenon Marbles to Greece

When the British Empire ruled much of the world, many artifacts and artworks, including reliefs and statues from the Parthenon in Athens known as the Elgin Marbles, were taken to Britain. For years Greece has been trying to get those sculptures back, saying they are an important part of the country’s heritage. Could there be a glimmer of hope that the marbles will return to their homeland?

A group of British members of Parliament from several political parties has proposed returning the statues to Greece. The move came on July 11, the 200^th anniversary of the British government’s paying the Greek government for them.

Thomas Bruce, the Earl of Elgin, had taken them some years earlier when he was ambassador to the Ottoman Empire from 1799 to 1803. He said he got permission from the Ottomans to take the artworks.

Detail from the Parthenon Marbles (Chris Devers / Flickr)

Today, the Parthenon sculptures remain some of the most controversial objects in the British Museum, with some arguing for the repatriation of the artifacts to Greece, and others arguing that the sculptures ought to remain in London. Similarly, opinion is divided regarding Lord Elgin. For some he was the savior of the endangered Parthenon sculptures, while to others he was a looter and pillager of Greek antiquities.