Teacher Sonia Gerakios with students Hayley Moore, Emma Somogyi, Ashleigh Burgess and Tegan Miller. (Picture: MARK SCOTT)
The sculptures were originally part of the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens, but in the period of 1801-1812, British Ambassador Thomas Bruce removed 247 feet of the original 524 feet of the horizontal band between the architrave and cornice at the top of the temple.
They were transported by sea to Britian and purchased by the British Government in 1816.
They were then put on display in the British Museum where they have remained.
The legality of their removal has been questioned and created a heated debate worldwide.
As part of Hellenic Week from November 9-22, which celebrates Greek culture, year 12 ancient history students Lauren Thorpe, Emma Somogyi, Chelsea Walker and Tegan Miller will be asking for signatures at Erina Fair this weekend to support the return of the sculptures to Athens.
“We are doing this on behalf of the Greek community on the Central Coast,” Emma said.
“Last year, I visited the Acropolis on our school’s European trip and have since been very passionate about the topic,” he said.
Emma said the British Museum was refusing to return the sculptures because they believed they acquired them legally.
(source: express)
