Museums and national cultural property II. The Parthenon marbles

Abstract

Choosing the Parthenon Marbles as a case study was dictated by two main considerations: first, they are one of the best-known examples; second, and more important by far, they constitute a case with regard to which all the basic issues concerning return of cultural property can be raised. Not only do they carry a fundamental symbolism for both the cultural and national identity of the Greeks, but also the question of their repatriation fulfils all the principles set up by the relevant international organizations.