Thirteenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

As part of a larger work on sacred spaces, this paper discusses the Parthenon Marbles, in particular examining whether or not the Parthenon at the Acropolis should be considered a sacred space without the Marbles. In this study, I argue that the obvious answer is yes. I also discuss the degree to which the “Elgin” Marbles themselves, currently housed in the British Museum, constitute a sacred space (again, I argue the answer is still yes, although this is less obvious). I lastly argue that the Parthenon Museum, at the base of the Acropolis, should also be rightly classified as a sacred space, as it contains many fragments from the Parthenon not part of the “Elgin” collection, as well as serve as a prepared space for the rest of the Marbles if and when they are returned. The ongoing debate about the Marbles and whether or not they should be returned to Athens, which they should, serve as the backdrop.