Acropolis Decay

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30760, 26 May 1965, Page 17

Acropolis Decay

(Special Crspdt. NZPA) LONDON, May 25. The rapid decay of ancient monuments on the Acropolis of Athens is giving cause for grave concern and archaeologists have called on the Government to take urgent remedial action, says “The Times” Athens correspondent Mr Yannis Miliadis, who was curator of the Acropolis for 20 years until 1960, said that the decay of the monuments “advances by arithmetical progression, then by geometrical progression, and finally becomes galloping. I believe we are reaching the stage of geometrical progression, and prompt action must be taken.” Mr Miliadis discounted a report which appeared in the Athens newspaper “Elef-

theria,” which said that unless action was taken at once the Acropolis monuments were in danger of collapse within the next five years. The archaeologist said the Government was aware of the gravity of the situation and had appointed a commission composed of himself. Dr. Nicholas Platon, the present curator of the Acropolis, and Mr Travlos, an archaeologist and architect

“The powers given to us for action were limited- We have asked that they should be widened so as to take prompt conservation measures," Mr Miliadis said. The main danger was in the foundations of the three main buildings, the Parthenon, the Erechteion and the Propylaea.

“These are made of limestone.” he said. “When it rains the stone becomes as soft as soap and can be cut with a pen-knife.”