Pasco Reporter

Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Chris Pappas, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, have sent a letter to the British Prime Minister, urging Great Britain to resume negotiations with Greece regarding the return of the Parthenon Marbles. These marbles, created by the renowned sculptor Pheidias, were part of a frieze that adorned the Temple of Athena in Athens.

The Marbles were removed from Greece more than 200 years ago by Thomas Bruce, the seventh Earl of Elgin, and taken to Great Britain. In 1816, the British Parliament voted to purchase the Marbles, which are currently housed in the British Museum. Despite the Greek Government's persistent efforts, no agreement has been reached thus far to return the Marbles to their rightful home.

In their letter, Representatives Bilirakis and Pappas emphasize the significance of the Parthenon and its sculptures. They state, "The Parthenon is considered the high-water mark of world architecture, and its sculptures and reliefs certainly constitute the paramount point of classical art." They further assert that the return of the Marbles to Greece would be celebrated worldwide and call for the resumption of negotiations to achieve this goal.

The representatives highlight the importance of reuniting the Marbles with the rest of the sculptures from which they were separated. They propose that visitors should have the opportunity to view and appreciate the Marbles in their natural and rightful environment, alongside the other sculptures at the Acropolis Museum in Athens. The Acropolis Museum was specifically designed to house these ancient treasures and promote a greater understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the Parthenon and ancient Athens.

This letter comes at a time when negotiations between Greece and the United Kingdom on this matter have deteriorated. Representatives Bilirakis and Pappas, along with the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, urge British officials to return to earnest discussions with Greece and work towards the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures.

The return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece has long been a contentious issue, with Greece making numerous attempts to reclaim these priceless artifacts. The efforts by Representatives Bilirakis and Pappas demonstrate the ongoing commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting historical and cultural understanding.

To read the letter in its entirety, click here.

To learn more, click on this link: https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-and-pappas-lead-hellenic-caucus-letter-british-prime-minister-urging