As with the Greeks ( who keep demandoing the Elgin Marbles be returned ), if it weren't for the Brits, these artifacts would no longer exist most probably. The Elgin Marbles were sold to the English, by the Turks, during the " great " Caliphate. The Rosetta Stone was first taken by the French ( Nappy's unsuccessful war ) and then taken by the Brits. Tough noogies . With so much continued war and turmoil in the Middle East, it's better off in the British Museum, where EVERYONE can see it !