Week 3 The Parthenon Sculptures and Repatriation

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 The Parthenon


The Parthenon has gone through a lot through out its lifetime. The first purpose of the Parthenon was to be a church dedicated to Mary 6th c. CE. Later down the road the structure was turned into a Mosque in 15th c. CE. While as a Mosque, in 1687 gunpowder explosion was set off causing majority of damage to the construction.  People were taking pieces from the building so around 1801-3, 1809 Elgin removed sculptures and sent them to London. The British government purchased the marbles. Then in 1832 Greece gained independence. The art is still on display since then in the British Museum. Because the art was removed from its original location, the structure itself has gained more damage. Also, while the artifacts were being shipped over seas to London, the art received more damage during the transportation.  However, being separated from the building it has received care and pieced together as best as possible to be put on display for free to the public. Though, the ancient cultural artifacts do belong to Greece. That is were they were made, that is where they were made to have a purpose. There was no alleged permission that the art should be taken from the Parthenon or from Greece in general. It is hard to say if it is better to have some of the sculptures viewable in numerous museums throughout the world or together in one place. Morally, I believe that the art from the Parthenon should be sent back to Greece because that is where it is rightfully from. Still, if the artifacts were to be returned it would be taking the art away from people being able to experience the art from another place and era of the world. There is also the risk if the art gaining more damage on the transportation going back to Greece. There are a lot of pros and whether the art should stay in England or return to Greece. It is a very controversial subject. In general though, I do believe that the art should returned to its original location.

 

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