Central Idea

UK PM Rishi Sunak cancelled his meeting with visiting Greek PM over the latter’s comments on ancient Parthenon Sculptures housed in the British Museum.

Parthenon Sculptures

The Parthenon Sculptures are ancient Greek stone sculptures over 2,000 years old, originally part of the Parthenon temple in Athens.
These sculptures, including a 75-meter-long frieze, are significant artifacts of Athens’ Golden Age, depicting gods, heroes, and mythical beings.
In the early 19th century, Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin and British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, removed the sculptures from the Parthenon.
The marbles were subsequently purchased by British Museum in 1816.

Greece has accused Lord Elgin of stealing the sculptures, while he maintained he had permission from the Ottoman authorities.
The original document granting permission has been lost, leading to disputes over its authenticity and content.

Greece’s demand for the sculptures’ return dates back to its independence in the early 1830s.
The campaign gained momentum in the 1980s, spearheaded by Greek actress and then-culture minister Melina Mercouri.
The British Museum argues that the sculptures were legally acquired and rejects Greece’s demands for their return.
The museum contends that public benefit lies in having the sculptures in two locations, citing the impossibility of reassembling them completely and concerns over safe return.

Prime Minister Sunak has described the marbles as a significant asset to the UK and opposes changing laws to facilitate their return.
Despite the cancelled meeting, Greek officials intend to continue negotiations with the British Museum.