Parthenon Marbles Should Be Returned to Greece and Celtic Treasures Held in English Collections Returned to Their Home Countries

The Greek government is right to seek the return of the Parthenon Marbles, which were illegally removed by agents of Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin over 200 years ago. The Elgin Marbles are the Parthenon Marbles, a collection of Classical Greek marble sculptures that were originally part of the temple of the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens. They were removed and shipped to England, in what the poet, peer and politician Lord Byron described as an act of vandalism or looting. 

Elgin stole half of the sculptures from the historic Parthenon in Athens and then lied about it, and he succeeded in having the British parliament legitimise his actions. Although the Greeks have consistently requested their return to Greece they remain held captive in the British Museum in London. However, there are also many Celtic treasures held in English hands that need to be returned to their Celtic homelands. As with the the Parthenon Marbles, these Celtic artefacts should be returned to their rightful owners. The English being the English will, however, not return these artefacts without a fight. As far as they are concerned they are, as described by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a “huge asset” to the UK. Not surprising really, after all what thieves normally give up the proceeds of their crimes unless forced to.

Images: Above is part of Parthenon Marbles held by the British Museum in London. Below the Chronicles of the Kings of Mann and the Isles or Manx Chronicle, a medieval Latin manuscript relating the early history of the Isle of Man currently in the hands of British Library in London.