Who Owns History? - Examining the Ownership of Ancient Artifacts

Explore the complex issue of antiquities repatriation in this thought-provoking TEDx talk by Professor Herman Salton. Delve into the contentious debate surrounding the ownership and return of ancient artifacts to their supposed places of origin. Examine the claims made by countries like Greece, Turkey, Italy, and China, who assert these objects as national property and demand their repatriation from museums worldwide. Consider the challenges in determining rightful ownership, given the vast geographical span of ancient civilizations and the significant differences between modern nation-states and the societies that originally created these artifacts. Analyze the fundamental questions raised: To whom should these antiquities truly be returned? Who has the legitimate claim to ancient art? Ultimately, grapple with the overarching query: Who owns history? Gain insights from Salton's expertise in international relations, international organizations, and United Nations history as he navigates this sensitive and important topic.