The Elgin Marbles

[The Stranger]

i like to start a discussion about the return of the Elgin Marbles. i will use the best arguments pro and against in a essay for school. when you post here, it means that you give me permission to quote you. Thanks very much

[Duke Malcolm]

In 2500 years, the people have changed. Simply living in the same place as the historical building does not mean they are yours. The Book of Kells was written in Scotland by Scottish people, yet we do not ask for its return.

[Rodion Romanovich]

what are the elgin marbles?

[Duke Malcolm]

They are the marble friezes from the Parthenon on display in the British Museum in London.

[Avicenna]

Well, it is part of the nation's cultural heritage, and it should be returned. Examples include British and French museums stuffed with artifacts from Africa, China, Egypt and India. It is part of their identity, and is theirs by right.

[Aenlic]

If the British crown jewels were spirited away by thieves, whatever lordly title they might hold or colonial power they might wield, and then put on display in a museum in Athens, would the British seek for their return? Of course.

The long argument about the location of the Stone of Scone is another good example. Edward I stole it as a spoil of war. Four Scottish students stole it back in 1950. The British government found out and stole it back a second time in 1951. In 1996, the British government decided after years, even centuries, of pressure to finally return the stolen national icon to Scotland where it now resides in Edinburgh castle; although reserving the right to bring it back to Westminster Abbey for coronations. There are still some, maybe many, in Scotland who view Edinburgh castle as still too British a location as the headquarters of the British army in Scotland; so they want it moved someplace with no British influence.

Why then, is it different when artifacts of great historical, traditional and sentimental significance to other countries have been essentially stolen and put on display in Britain? Do the marble decorations of the Greek national icon of the Parthenon hold less significance than the British crown jewels or the Scottish Stone of Scone?

The historical treasures of the ancient world were systematically plundered by the powerful and wealthy of the 1st World precisely because the items had some historic significance in their original setting. They are one of the last vestiges of colonialism. They should be returned if so requested. Perhaps a deal can be worked out allowing a "loan" to the current location, with acknowledgement of ownership being given to the country of origin. The whole idea of "it's ours because we stole it from you fair and square" is ludicrous.