Return The Stolen Parthenon Marbles
Posted on : 28-06-2009 | By : Gabriel | In : Causes, Discussion
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One of the few subjects in school I actually paid attention to was mythology. Most notably Greek mythology. Something about it seemed so epic. I think it was interesting studying what people of that time period were thinking about! Those gods were thought up to explain the greatest mysteries of their time. Why is there day and night? Why do the seasons change? Where do we go when we die? to name a few. Today we know most of the answers to the questions they asked and its only a matter of time before we know them all… which ultimately will lead us to more questions! But I digress. The architecture, art and culture of Greece has had an incredible impact on western civilization. Our current political system, the Olympics, and even had a massive influence modern architecture!
On June 20th, the New Acropolis Museum opened its doors to the public and houses several thousands artifacts dating from the fifth century B.C. However a number of sculptures and about half of the Parthenon Frieze are sitting in the British Museum. These pieces aren’t on loan by Greece, they were stolen by a Scottish man named Lord Elgin at the beginning of the 19th century, who later sold the pieces to the British Government. The Greek government has requested restitution of the Parthenon Marbles to its rightful owners, however the British have declined and the pieces remain in the British Museum.
A courageous woman named Marina, has made it her personal goal to see that these pieces be returned to their rightful home in Greece, where they can be placed with the rest of the collection how their creators meant it.
Please take a minute out of your day and sign her petition to the British government requesting these stolen pieces be returned to Greece and help Marina achieve her goal!
It is a marvelous talent and an endearing heart that writes about and blesses other people’s plights. You are a remarkable young man.
Thank you for a wonderful adventure in writing and in inspiration. You have a lovely blog. Continued success in dreaming and making your goals come true. I’m very proud of you son.
Hugs,
Mom
Hey…found your blog through Roby. You quite possibly have one of the most diverse and interesting blogs I have seen in a long time!!
Blessings to you!
Amanda
The request for the restitution of the Parthenon Marbles is not made by the Greek government
in the name only of the Greek nation or of Greek history. It is made in the name of the cultural heritage of the world and with the voice of the mutilated monument itself, that cries out for its marbles to be returned.
Crime without Punishment
This is born from blight,
its roots a blemish upon the empire.
This callous white marble tear
that after all
these years cannot fall.
O hallowed aeons that cannot compensate ghosts, the ceremony of dust calls out from the Aegean Sea.
Headless busts and property unduly
dispersed to the far corners
of this world, maligned,
but not forgotten by emperors
or the realm of justice.
By who’s decree do we pillage
and take what is not ours,
as if it was an orphan.
All of Greece trembles inside,
its glorious heart fractured
by such injustice.
Kevin Harling.- Canada
We need public opinion on our side…we need people who can think right and respect our culture.
We can do it, we will never give up…
Thank you for the wonderful blog
Aristotle said that: All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire.
I think that, Elgin who stole the marbles was guide from a obsessive desire to posses the beauty of classic Greek creations. He spoiled one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and he passed at the history as the most cruel vandal.
You my dear friend have used your passion for writing and you gave us an article that touched our hearts. Support Marina’s petition means a lot for me as because I’m one of those that want to see the marbles turn back to the place that they belong.
I’m congratulating with you and I wish you all the best with your activity.
Kiki