Culture Minister George Voulgarakis on Tuesday unveiled a repatriated fragment belonging to the 8th block of the Parthenon's northern frieze, following its return by the University of Heidelberg.

The fragment is part of a carving of a man's heel, which measures 11cm by 8cm, and is to be re-attached to the temple.

Voulgarakis arrived at the renowned German university a day earlier to attend a handing-over ceremony, calling the development "momentous," as for the first time a standing demand for repatriating portions of the Classical Era Parthenon was granted.

"Our duty to repatriate the Parthenon Marbles back to their rightful place is a duty of all humanity towards civilization," the minister said in a direct reference to Athens' persistence in returning the friezes saw off the Parthenon in the early 19th century by a rogue English diplomat, Lord Elgin.

Two ancient artifacts were also returned earlier this year by a U.S. private museum after decades-long dispute.

Source: Xinhua