Parthenon sculptures row between Britain and Greece explained
The ongoing dispute between Britain and Greece over the Parthenon sculptures explained.
Why Are They in Britain?
The Parthenon sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, were taken from the Parthenon in Athens in the early 19th century by the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Thomas Bruce.
They were transported to Britain and bought by the British Museum, where they are currently housed.
Greece has repeatedly asked for their permanent return, but Britain and the museum have refused to do so.
What Are They?
The sculptures at the British Museum are part of a 160-meter frieze that adorned the Parthenon temple in Athens.
They include 15 sculpted relief panels and figures of gods and heroes from the temple's pediments.
The Parthenon temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, was completed in 432 BC and is a symbol of modern Greece.
Athens' Campaign for Their Return
Athens has been campaigning for the permanent return of the Parthenon sculptures since its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1832.
In the 1980s, Greek actress Melina Mercouri launched an official campaign for their return when she was the culture minister.
Athens opened a museum at the foot of the Acropolis in 2009 to showcase the sculptures that remain in Greece.
British Museum's Stance
The British Museum, custodian of the sculptures, has refused to return them, citing a legal contract between Thomas Bruce and the Ottoman Empire.
The museum believes that dividing the sculptures between two museums benefits the public more, as some parts have been lost or destroyed.
The trustees have offered to consider a loan to Greece if Greece acknowledges the British Museum's ownership, but Greece has refused.
