Elgin marbles

[el-gin, -jin]

plural noun

1. a group of Greek sculptures of the 5th century b.c., originally on the Parthenon in Athens, and supposedly sculptured under the direction of Phidias: presently in the British Museum in London.

Elgin marbles

plural noun

1. a group of 5th-century _bc Greek sculptures originally decorating the Parthenon in Athens, brought to England by Thomas Bruce, seventh Earl of Elgin (1766–1841), and now at the British Museum

Word History and Origins

Origin of Elgin marbles¹

After Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin (1766–1841), who arranged for their removal from Athens

Example Sentences

Greece maintains the ancient antiquities, also known as the Elgin Marbles, were illegally removed from Athens' acropolis, and has has long called for their return from the museum.

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And any potential arrangement would see it lend the Elgin Marbles back to Greece temporarily in exchange for a rolling display of other Greek artefacts.

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It came as Sir Keir Starmer and his Greek counterpart met for talks in Downing Street - though it is unclear whether the Elgin Marbles were discussed.

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The status of the Elgin Marbles - also known as the Parthenon Sculptures - has been a source of diplomatic tension between the UK and Greece for decades.

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Prof Stamatoudi, who advised the Greek culture minister during previous Elgin Marbles negotiations, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme she believes "a deal is close" but was unsure if it was "close enough".

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