Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: A diplomatic dispute between Greece and the UK has arisen over the Parthenon Sculptures housed at the British Museum.
- Greece has consistently sought the permanent return of the sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, which are over 2,000 years old and originally adorned the Parthenon temple in Athens.
- The sculptures were removed by Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin, in the early 19th century and purchased by the British Museum in 1816.
- While Greece alleges theft, Lord Elgin claimed permission from the Ottoman Empire
The Parthenon Sculptures are a collection of more than 30 ancient Greek stone sculptures. They are over 2,000 years old and were originally part of the Parthenon temple in Athens. The sculptures are currently housed in the British Museum
