I have been to Athens, and seen the temples on the Acropolis, amazing classical architectural masterpieces. And I have been to London to see the sculpture that decorated the Parthenon. Make no mistake, the Greeks would like to have these artifacts of their heritage back, but if you want to see them today, to see what is left of the originals, you need go the British Museum in London. How did they end up in London? The version of the story I have been told, is that Athens was occupied for a foreign military, Lord Elgin asked the military commander about the sculptures, and was told, if you want them, take them home with you. I was told recently that they were pried off the facade with massive iron pry-bars. Parts went crashing to the ground, what we see today, is what survived the theft, only part of what was there at the time.
If you haven't already been, go to Athens, climb that hill, it is awe inspiring, if you haven't been, go to the British Museum in London and see the rest of the story, think about how much better these two would be in the same place.
Elgin Marbles, humph! Not an aggie or cats eye to be found.
ReplyDeleteWhen we cleaned out the house, we found my mothers marbles, she had lost them years ago.
DeleteI snorted my coffee, thank you very much! I thought this was a reasonably safe space.
DeleteFinally saw the Parthenon Marbles a few years ago. Amazing. As for where they belong now, it's argued back and forth. I always end up on the side of Greece, but I do understand some of the British Museum's arguments.
ReplyDeleteAthens even built a museum for them, the museum was under construction when we were there, we had the most heavenly meatballs at a little restaurant right across the street from it.
DeleteThose meatballs were divine... the restaurant was actuality called The Restaurant of the Gods. The new museum is open now; we should go back.
DeleteYes, we should go back,
DeleteIf that is a true story....shame shame shame. I want to see Greece some day....buy its not as high as other places on the list. I always seem to be into more obscure places.
ReplyDeleteWith Jay's line of work, it was a combination work and pleasure trip for us. I would go back faster than you can down an Ouzo.
DeleteMy half sister is married to a Greek man and he has offered to take me over to see it. It's not as safe as when he lived there. He rents the house his parents lived in.
DeleteHas that still not been resolved and the marbles returned. As long as Greece can look after them well, why not?
ReplyDeletePut copies in London, Athens has a new museum and Greece has become very protective of heritage. At one point the Parthenon was used as a powder magazine, and blown up, another military commander used to test the accuracy of artillery, those horrors are past.
DeleteThe wealth of Europe (including its art collections) was looted from other nations. Imperialism and colonialism at its finest!
ReplyDeleteMuch of it.
Deletebeautiful pieces; they should have been left alone in greece.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I was able to see them, and see where they belong
DeleteThe next time I can get to London, the British Museum will be the first place I go.
ReplyDeleteHopefully soon,
DeleteOh! to go to Greece After a lifelong education on the myths and history I want to experience all directly, And the wines and food.
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