The Parthenon Marbles

The Parthenon Marbles are a collection of classical Greek sculptures and architectural pieces originally from the Parthenon temple on Athens’ Acropolis. Created in the 5th century BCE, they depict gods, mythological scenes, and historical events. In the early 19th century, British architect Lord Elgin removed many of these marbles and transported them to Britain. Today, they are housed mainly in the British Museum, causing ongoing debate over cultural heritage and ownership between Greece and the UK. The marbles are valued as masterpieces of ancient art and exemplify the artistic achievements of classical Greece.