Why Are The Elgin Marbles So Controversial

The so called elgin marbles were part of the parthenon the most iconic building of classical greece and one of the most important buildings in ancient history.

Why are the elgin marbles so controversial.

The british defend their ownership of the marbles based on greece s lack of an adequate museum and the fact that they paid for the pieces mcguigan 2. In many ways the marbles are emblematic of the development of modern ideas of national heritage and global display which. The costs of shipping the marbles were paid out of lord elgin s own pocket. The elgin marbles have been controversial for over 200 years with the acropolis museum in athens which houses the remaining sculptures keeping a space empty for them amongst its current.

Nicholas said 01 28 13 at 3 08 pm. Why are the elgin marbles so controversial and everything else you need to know the british museum has lent one of the elgin marbles to russia. Contemporary opposition to elgin s acquisition was voiced most famously by lord byron one of the leading figures of the romantic movement. Ever since the marbles were brought to britain they have incited passionate debate.

That s why they re so controversial the greeks allege that britain took. 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. He labelled elgin a vandal lamenting. It is the same with the elgin marbles.

He calculated he had spent a total of 74 000 in expenses and bribes more than a million dollars in today s money. No matter what condition they are in and how they are being cared for they rightfully belong to the athenian people and should be returned to the parthenon. The argument over the elgin marbles rumbles on today as a statue from the collection has been moved to russia. Today much controversy surrounds the ownership elgin marbles both the british and greeks argue that each have legal and moral claim over the parliament s marble adornments.

The objects were removed from the parthenon at athens and from other ancient buildings and shipped to england by arrangement of thomas. Elgin marbles collection of ancient greek sculptures and architectural details in the british museum london where they are now called the parthenon sculptures.