In a move that made historical scholars cringe, the Greek culture ministry recently announced that it would make some ancient Greek landmarks and archeological sites to advertising firms and even demonstrators. This from an article published in “France 24”[1] (emphasis added):
In a move bound to leave many Greeks and scholars aghast, Greece’s culture ministry said Tuesday it will open up some of the debt-stricken country’s most-cherished archaeological sites to advertising firms and other ventures.
The ministry says the move is a common-sense way of helping “facilitate” access to the country’s ancient Greek ruins, and money generated would fund the upkeep and monitoring of sites. The first site to be opened would be the Acropolis.
Archaeologists, however, have for decades slammed such an initiative as sacrilege.
The culture ministry said any renting of ancient Greek sites would be subject to strict conditions.
According to a ministerial briefing dating from the end of December, a commercial firm could rent the Acropolis for a professional photographic shoot for as little as 1,600 euros a day ($2,046). Demonstrators could also rent the ancient landmark.
Greece needs every euro it can get. The country’s public coffers are drained and the nation is struggling to avoid a historic debt default in March.
Greece was bailed out in May 2010 by the European Union and International Monetary Fund and is in the process of nailing down a second rescue, though it is undergoing tough talks with private creditors to reduce its massive debt mountain.
Commercial use of Greece’s archaeological sites has until now been the responsibility of the Central Council of Archaeology, which has been very choosy about who gains access.
Wow, for only a couple of thousand dollars for the entire day, your group can stage your demonstration or do a photo shoot at the Acropolis. Proves the dire straits that Greece now finds itself in.
[1] Agence France Presse. January 18, 2012. “Greek archaeological sites up for rent.” 20120118-acropolis-greek-sites-rent-commercial-events-archaeological-treasures
