Greek veto for Acropolis museum

Greece's highest court has ruled against the government's plans on a new museum at the Acropolis in Athens, according to court officials. They are quoted as saying the decision was influenced by fears that the construction work on the slopes of the Parthenon - the proposed site for the new museum - could damage nearby antiquities.

Correspondents say such a ruling is a serious setback for the Greek Government's efforts for the return of the Parthenon frieze known in Britain as the Elgin Marbles, which once adorned the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis, from the British Museum in London.

Greece had hoped a new modern Acropolis museum would put pressure on Britain to return the sculptures for display during the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

While I have not been following this story, it seems praiseworthy that the court took a conservative stance in balancing the need for a new museum with concerns about disturbing an ancient site. When archeology is enlisted in the service of nationalism, the price paid can be steep indeed -- and in Greece, there has already been a major outcry over the destruction of archeological remains for Olympic Games construction.

Posted by David on May 20, 2003 9:10 AM