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

The return of the artefacts comes during a continuing debate over what to do with other items exported from their native lands - including the Benin Bronzes and Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Sculptures.

From BBC

And he will have to deal with increasing demands for the return of contested artifacts to their countries of origin, including the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, and a collection of Benin Bronzes.

From New York Times

Last year, Greece's prime minister called for the Parthenon Sculptures - or Elgin Marbles - to be returned from the museum.

From BBC

The issue of the Parthenon Sculptures, or Elgin Marbles as they were named in the UK, is the best-known example.

From BBC

I’m not a decision-maker, but once someone decides to return the Elgin Marbles to Greece, my people will have to figure out how to clean them, transport them.

From Los Angeles Times