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ArchivesThe Parthenon Marbles
in reply to a message by Daividh
Thanks old beast, the Parthenon Marbles are a matter of concern to most Greeks. For those who are not
up to date: during the 19th century (when Greeks were under the Ottoman yoke) an Englishman,
Lord Elgin, amputated several marbles from the Acropolis and shipped them to England.
These marbles beautifully depict historical events and ancient Gods. They are presently in a hall in the London
Museum which is rented out for receptions and cocktail parties. A crying shame. They were half destroyed
during the early 20th century when "experts" set to restore them using sandpaper. We all hope the English
government will do the right thing.
PS: Meriel, put in a good word!
up to date: during the 19th century (when Greeks were under the Ottoman yoke) an Englishman,
Lord Elgin, amputated several marbles from the Acropolis and shipped them to England.
These marbles beautifully depict historical events and ancient Gods. They are presently in a hall in the London
Museum which is rented out for receptions and cocktail parties. A crying shame. They were half destroyed
during the early 20th century when "experts" set to restore them using sandpaper. We all hope the English
government will do the right thing.
PS: Meriel, put in a good word!
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Replies
The British government may be deaf to pleas to return the Elgin Marbles, but the pagan/literary community of Britain has been, for nearly two centuries, in vociferous support of their return. Lord Byron was perhaps the most outspoken about it, going so far as to have a public feud with Elgin, as well as write a poem about it:
Dull is the eye that will not weep to see
Thy walls defaced, thy mouldering shrines removed
By British hands, which it had best behoved
To guard those relics ne'er to be restored.
Curst be the hour when from their isle they roved,
And once again thy hapless bosom gored,
And snatch'd thy shrinking gods to northern climes abhorred!
Lord Byron was one of the greats. Anyone who'd raise a monument in memory of his deceased dog is okay in my books. :) It's a lovely memorial to Boatswain, too, at Newstead Abbey.
-- Nanaea
Dull is the eye that will not weep to see
Thy walls defaced, thy mouldering shrines removed
By British hands, which it had best behoved
To guard those relics ne'er to be restored.
Curst be the hour when from their isle they roved,
And once again thy hapless bosom gored,
And snatch'd thy shrinking gods to northern climes abhorred!
Lord Byron was one of the greats. Anyone who'd raise a monument in memory of his deceased dog is okay in my books. :) It's a lovely memorial to Boatswain, too, at Newstead Abbey.
-- Nanaea
1
I am sincerely touched.
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