Prominent British anthropologist and television presenter Professor Alice Roberts has called for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece, reigniting the long-standing cultural and diplomatic debate over the sculptures’ rightful home.
Speaking during the filming of her new Channel 4 documentary series, Ancient Greece by Train, Roberts expressed her belief that the Parthenon sculptures, which have been displayed at the British Museum in London for over two centuries, should be returned to Athens. Her comments came after discussions with Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, who reaffirmed Greece’s sincere desire to see the marbles repatriated.
Professor Roberts, well known for presenting BBC programmes such as Digging for Britain and The Incredible Human Journey, highlighted the ethical concerns surrounding the removal of cultural artefacts, stating that such actions can be ‘very damaging’ when they are perceived as unwelcome, unintended, or unconsented. While she acknowledged the complexity of the debate, she stressed that it is not a matter that should be ignored.
The Parthenon sculptures, which date back 2,500 years and originally adorned the Parthenon temple in Athens, were removed in the early 19th century by Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire at the time. Since then, they have been housed in the British Museum, sparking continuous calls from Greece for their return.
Despite ongoing negotiations, the British Museum stated in December that an agreement over the sculptures remains ‘some distance’ away, though it noted significant progress had been made. Downing Street has also reiterated that the museum holds the ultimate authority over their fate.
Following her discussions with the Greek minister, Professor Roberts reinforced her position, drawing comparisons to how Britain might feel if significant portions of Stonehenge were held by another country. ‘I have to agree with her… I think they belong back in Athens,’ she stated.
Beyond the issue of cultural heritage, she emphasised the broader need to acknowledge and address the historical injustices associated with colonial-era acquisitions. ‘There’s a pressing need to recognize some of the questionable practices of the past, which often went hand in hand with the history of colonialism,’ she remarked.
Greece first made a formal request for the permanent return of the Parthenon sculptures in 1983, and the issue continues to be a point of contention between the two nations. With renewed advocacy from figures such as Professor Roberts, the calls for repatriation are once again gaining international attention.
(Source: Daily Mail UK)