International: The Parthenon Marbles

A powerful symbol of Greek culture and Western civilization, the Parthenon has withstood and prevailed over conquests, earthquakes, fires, wars, and looting. Despite these challenges, it stands today as the most enduring symbol of freedom and democracy around the world. The Parthenon Marbles refer to the priceless sculptures that adorned the pediments, metopes, and frieze of the temple’s exterior that were looted by the British Ambassador and later, by an act of Parliament, placed in the British Museum. They remain there today despite world condemnation.