The Parthenon Marbles: Imperialism and Diasporic Memory

This essay examines the Parthenon marbles as a legacy of imperialism that has continued even in diasporic memory. It examines both historical and contemporary diasporic discussions around the return of the marbles to Greece, and how these discussions have persisted and even been linked with wider anti-colonial struggles, especially around artefact retainment. A utilisation of historical and current diaspora newspapers helps guide the discussion with key examples drawn, particularly from the Greek diasporas in Britain and Australia. The meaning of the Parthenon marbles to the diaspora and to Greek identity is simultaneously unravelled, with links also made to Greek foreign policy and to Philhellenic conceptions. In all, this article aims to illustrate the importance of the Parthenon marbles debate itself as a persisting source of cultural memory in Greek (including diasporic) minds, with an Athens-centred position taken in the conclusion.