One of Britain’s most iconic newspapers says the Parthenon Marbles belong in Athens and they should now return.

In a clear shift of its editorial position, The Times says the case for returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece has become “compelling.” 

The British newspaper made its new position clear in its leading editorial on Monday.

“For more than 50 years, artists and politicians have argued that artefacts so fundamental to a nation’s cultural identity should return to Greece,” the paper wrote. “The museum and the British government, supported by The Times, have resisted the pressure. But times and circumstances change. The sculptures belong in Athens. They should now return.”

The newspaper said the marbles are “sublime in their depiction of the human form and the impression of movement.”

Greece has recently increased its pressure on the British Museum and the British government, with many experts claiming the time is right for a strong campaign that will lead to the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Athens.

Click here to read the full editorial by The Times.

Featured image courtesy of Wally Gobetz via Flickr