Question

After reading both articles, do you believe The Elgin Marbles should stay in London or should they be returned to Athens? Why or why not? Provide at least 5 complete sentences to justify your opinion with ample reasoning.

Answer 1

The question of whether the Elgin Marbles should stay in London or be returned to Athens is a complex and debated issue, with valid arguments on both sides. The British Museum argues that the marbles are an important part of British cultural heritage, while proponents of repatriation believe they should be returned to Greece as part of their cultural heritage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question of whether the Elgin Marbles should stay in London or be returned to Athens is a complex and debated issue. There are valid arguments on both sides.

One argument in favor of keeping the marbles in London is that they have been there for over 200 years and have become an important part of British cultural heritage. The British Museum provides a safe and accessible environment for the marbles, where millions of people from around the world can appreciate and learn from them.

On the other hand, those who argue for repatriation believe that the marbles should be returned to their place of origin, as they are an integral part of Greece's cultural heritage. They argue that the marbles were taken without proper consent and should be returned to their rightful owners.

Furthermore, the construction of the Acropolis Museum in Athens provides a suitable and secure location for the display of the marbles, allowing visitors to see them in their original context.

Ultimately, the decision on whether the Elgin Marbles should stay in London or be returned to Athens is a matter of perspective and values. It is important to consider the historical and cultural significance of the marbles, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of their current and potential locations.

Answer 2

I believe that the Elgin Marbles should be returned to Athens.

When the marbles were taken, it was not obvious that such an action was legal. The wording of the documents is unclear, and the marbles were not initially accepted by England. However, I believe the action was slightly justified because the Acropolis was in a terrible state, with many statues having been recently destroyed. Taking them away was a way of protecting them.

However, I believe that this justification no longer applies. In the present, Greece is a developed country that, while not rich, has enough resources to take care of its heritage. It is unlikely that the marbles suffer any danger in Greece, and therefore, the marbles can now be housed in the place where they came from.