What's happening?

Britain and Greece normally have a good relationship. But today, things may be a little awkward.

On Monday, British leader Rishi Sunak refusedSaid no. to meet Greek leader Kyriakos MitsotakisThe Greek prime minister since June 2023. in London. The refusal came after Mitsotakis said once again that Britain should return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

The Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, are ancient Greek sculptures that once stood in the ParthenonAn ancient Greek temple in Athens that was once dedicated to the goddess Athena. It was built around 440 BC. It is regarded as the highest example of ancient Greek architecture. in Greece.

They were taken from the Parthenon by Earl Elgin in the early 1800s, then sold to Britain. Elgin said he was allowed to take the marbles by the OttomansMembers of the Turkish dynasty that ruled the Ottoman Empire. , who ruled Greece at the time.

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Now, the Greeks want the marbles back. And politicians in the UK cannot agree on whether to say yes.

Some say it is right to give the marbles back. Others warn that if the Parthenon Marbles were given back, other countries might start asking for more and more treasures to be returned. Meanwhile, more people visit the British Museum than the Parthenon in Greece.

And not every case is clear cut. Many objects have several people who claim to own them. It is not always easy to say who they should be given back to.

Yes! They are a part of Greek history, taken from them without asking. Returning them is the right thing to do.

No! The marbles are part of the history of the world, not just Greece. More people will see them in Britain than in Greece. They should be left where they are.