January 1997 Dear Archeologists, For more than 2,400 years the Parthenon has stood on the crest of the Acropolis. Rising over modern Athens, Greece, the Parthenon was the ancient temple to the goddess Athena. Though the Parthenon is in ruins today, millions come to marvel at what remains of this stately and beautiful building. In London, England, meanwhile, art lovers from all over the world flock to the British Museum. At this famous museum, people can view the exhibit of marble sculptures (The Elgin Marbles) that were once part of the Parthenon. For these visitors, the art of ancient Greece comes to life at close range. We have a photograph of these Elgin Marbles for you to see on page 156 in the Eastern Hemisphere book. We understand that you have been reading about Ancient Greece, the civilization that produced the Elgin Marbles. There is a problem over the ownership of these treasures. The Greek leaders want the Elgin Marbles to be returned to the Parthenon. The British Museum did buy them legally in the early 1800's and say that they are an international treasure--not just a Greek one. We are asking teams of archeologists to research the points and counterpoints of returning the Elgin Marbles to Greece. Keep in mind that your research and decision may be used for other ancient art that may be found or excavated. Your work will be passed on to the Board of Directors. You will be presenting your research and decision to the Board of Directors the second week of February who will then pass it on the the British Museum. Thank you for your time and consideration and good luck! Sincerely, Board of Directors
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