If they were stolen, you betcha.
I guess I find it extremely amusing that the British can claim some kind of cultural superiority on possessing the Rosetta Stone or the Elgin marbles, when neither the British civilzation nor English language had existed when these artifacts were created.
Not happy with their own heritage, they have to steal others, I guess. Then come up with some kind of cock and bull story of how they are better suited to caring for an articfact that did not define their civilization. Its pretty distasteful. The last remnants of cultural jingoism. I thought we evolved beyound that.
The current Egyption civilization and language bear no relationship to those present when the artifacts were created either. So which bunch of looters deserves them? If you go by geography, then the individuals dwelling on the current day sites have the best claim.
Why do I think that you might be of Irish descent, Mrs. Peel?
I don't think the current Egyptian civilization existed when those artifacts were created either.
For one with such acrimony toward the British I find it curious that you would choose to take your screen name from The Avengers.