Historical Evolution of the Marbles

The acquisition and ongoing legacy of the Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, have sparked debates around restitution and cultural heritage preservation. The marbles were initially known as the Elgin Marbles in the UK but have since been called the Parthenon sculptures or Parthenon Marbles to reflect their contentious status at the British Museum. The history of the sculptures dates back to the 5th century BC, originating from the Parthenon in Athens under the Ottoman Empire.