Hello Beautiful Souls! Today, let’s talk about one of the most popular attractions in London – the British Museum. As one of the largest museums in the world, the British Museum has a vast collection of over eight million objects from different civilizations and cultures across the globe.
If you love mythical stories, one of the highlights of the British Museum is undoubtedly the Elgin Marbles. These are a collection of ancient Greek sculptures that were once part of the Parthenon temple in Athens. The sculptures were removed from the temple by Lord Elgin, a British diplomat, in the early 19th century and later sold to the British Museum.
The Elgin Marbles consist of a series of friezes depicting the mythical battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs. The Lapiths were a legendary tribe in ancient Greece, while the Centaurs were portrayed as half-human and half-horse creatures, often depicted as wild and dangerous. The frieze on the Parthenon depicts a battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs during a wedding ceremony, where the Centaurs, who were guests, became drunk and violent.
The battle scenes on the frieze are incredibly detailed and provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient Greek mythology. The frieze is divided into several sections, with each section depicting a different episode from the battle. The high-relief sculptures are particularly impressive, with the figures appearing to leap out from the stone.
One of the most remarkable things about the Elgin Marbles is the controversy surrounding their ownership. Greece has long campaigned for the return of the sculptures, arguing that they were taken illegally and should be returned to their rightful home. However, the British Museum maintains that the sculptures were acquired legally and should remain in London, where they are a significant part of the museum’s collection.
Regardless of your opinion on the ownership of the Elgin Marbles, there’s no denying that they are an awe-inspiring sight to behold. If you’re a fan of mythology and ancient history, the British Museum is a must-visit destination, and the Elgin Marbles are just one of the many incredible treasures waiting to be discovered there.
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