"There are no such things as the Elgin Marbles"
- Melina Mercouri
About this Quote
This quote by Melina Mercouri is describing the Elgin Marbles, a collection of ancient Greek sculptures and architectural pieces that were eliminated from the Parthenon in Athens by Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin, in the early 19th century. Mercouri is making the point that the Elgin Marbles are not a genuine thing, however rather a collection of artifacts that were drawn from their initial house. She is emphasizing the importance of maintaining cultural heritage and the need to return the Elgin Marbles to their rightful location in Athens. Mercouri's quote is a pointer that cultural heritage must be respected and protected, and that artifacts need to not be taken from their original home. It is also a call to action for the return of the Elgin Marbles to Athens, where they can be valued and respected in their initial context. Mercouri's quote is a powerful tip of the significance of preserving cultural heritage and the requirement to return the Elgin Marbles to their rightful house.
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