Greece Celebrates Return of Parthenon Fragments, Ramps Up Pressure on British Museum

Greece welcomed the repatriation of three ancient sculpture fragments from the Parthenon—a horse and two male heads—previously held by the Vatican Museums, in a ceremony led by Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni on Friday.

The return marks a significant step in Greece’s 40-year campaign to reclaim the Elgin Marbles, a collection of Parthenon sculptures taken by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, currently housed in the British Museum.

The Vatican described the repatriation as an ecumenical “donation” to Greece’s Orthodox Church, a gesture that intensifies pressure on the UK to negotiate the return of the marbles. Mendoni emphasized Greece’s willingness to loan ancient artefacts to the British Museum to “fill any gaps” if the sculptures are returned, signaling a potential compromise.

Carved in the 5th century BC, the Parthenon sculptures are considered a cornerstone of Greece’s cultural heritage. Removed before Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Empire, their repatriation has been a contentious issue. Supporters of the British Museum argue that returning the marbles could undermine global museum collections and cultural diversity. Last month, British Museum chair George Osborne suggested discussions were underway for a shared display arrangement in London and Athens, though Greek officials downplayed the remarks.

The repatriation follows last year’s return of a Parthenon marble fragment, depicting the foot of the goddess Artemis, from a museum in Palermo, Sicily. Bishop Brian Farrell, a Vatican secretary for promoting Christian unity, led the delegation to Athens and noted that the return of the three fragments was discussed during Pope Francis’ 2021 visit to Greece.

The ceremony underscores Greece’s renewed push for the reunification of its ancient heritage, with the spotlight now on the British Museum to respond to growing international calls for resolution.

Source: greekcitytimes.com