The vaunted Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens, 2500+ years old. Saved by the British from desecration, war, neglect, pollution. Or stolen. You decide.
In the matter, the British Museum posts this short justification:The Parthenon sculptures in the British Museum were brought to England by Lord Elgin and bought for the museum in 1816. Elgin’s removal of the sculptures from the ruins of the building has always been a matter for discussion, but one thing is certain—his actions spared them further damage by vandalism, weathering and pollution. It is also thanks to Elgin that generations of visitors have been able to see the sculptures at eye level rather than high up on the building.
The Rosetta Stone looked much larger than the first time I laid eyes on it.
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