Parthenon Marbles facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Parthenon Marbles Elgin Marbles
Artist	Phidias
Year	c. 447–438 BCE
Type	Marble
Dimensions	75 m (246 ft)
Location	British Museum, London

The Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, are a collection of ancient Greek sculptures made from marble. They were originally a part of the Parthenon temple in Athens, Greece. These famous sculptures were removed from the Parthenon in the early 1800s by Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin.

Today, these marbles are on display at the British Museum in London. Many people, including the Greek government, believe that the marbles were not taken fairly or legally. Greece has asked for them to be returned many times. In 2014, UNESCO offered to help find a solution, but the museum did not accept the offer.

What Are the Parthenon Marbles?

The Parthenon Marbles are beautiful sculptures that once decorated the Parthenon. This was a grand temple built in ancient Athens over 2,400 years ago. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena. The sculptures include large statues, parts of a long carved band called a frieze, and pieces from the triangular sections at the ends of the temple, known as pediments.

Who Made These Sculptures?

The famous Greek sculptor Phidias was in charge of creating all the sculptures for the Parthenon. He worked with many other skilled artists and craftspeople. The sculptures show scenes from Greek myths and stories. They also show important events like a procession during a festival in Athens.

Why Are They So Important?

These marbles are considered some of the best examples of ancient Greek art. They show amazing skill in carving marble. They also tell us a lot about the beliefs, history, and daily life of people in ancient Athens. They are a valuable link to a very important time in human history.

How the Marbles Left Greece

In the early 1800s, Greece was part of the Ottoman Empire. This empire controlled many lands, including Athens. Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, was the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. He visited Athens and saw the Parthenon.

Lord Elgin's Actions

Lord Elgin decided to remove some of the sculptures from the Parthenon. He said he had permission from the Ottoman authorities to do this. This permission was called a "firman." The firman allowed him to make drawings and molds of the sculptures. It also allowed him to dig up pieces that had fallen to the ground.

The Debate Over Permission

There is a big debate about what the firman actually allowed. Some people believe it only gave permission to draw and excavate. Others argue it allowed Elgin to take the sculptures. Also, some question if the Ottoman Empire had the right to give away parts of a Greek temple. The removal process was difficult and caused some damage to the Parthenon itself. After being removed, the marbles were shipped to Britain.

The Debate: Where Should They Be?

Today, the Parthenon Marbles are a central part of a long-running debate. Greece wants them back, while the British Museum believes they should stay in London.

Greece's Argument

The Greek government and many people in Greece believe the marbles are a vital part of their national heritage. They argue that the sculptures belong in Athens, close to the Parthenon itself. They feel the marbles were taken unfairly when Greece was under foreign rule. They want the sculptures to be reunited in a special museum in Athens, near their original home.

The British Museum's Argument

The British Museum argues that the marbles were acquired legally at the time. They also say that the museum is a "universal" museum. This means it collects and displays objects from all over the world. They believe this allows a global audience to see the marbles and learn about ancient Greek culture. They also state that the marbles are well-preserved and cared for in the museum.

Efforts to Resolve the Issue

Over the years, there have been many discussions about the marbles. In 2014, UNESCO, a United Nations organization that promotes culture, offered to help. They suggested mediating a discussion between Greece and the British Museum. However, the British Museum did not accept this offer. The debate continues, with many people hoping for a solution that satisfies both sides.

Images for kids

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  Parthenon Selene Horse

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  Statuary from the east pediment

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  Western frieze, II, 2

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  A portrait depicting the Parthenon Marbles in a temporary Elgin Room at the British Museum surrounded by museum staff, a trustee and visitors, 1819

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  East Pediment

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  Tools used to clean the marbles in 1937–38.

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  Section of a frieze from the Parthenon Marbles

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  The Parthenon. The treatment of the first drum filling from the fifth column of the south colonnade (1993).

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  The Parthenon. Shaping a column-capital filling from the pronaos with the use of a pointing device (2001)

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  Sculpture of Dionysus from the Parthenon's East Pediment