Why it matters
These sculptures from the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis were mostly created in the 5th century BC under the direction of Phidias. They were removed by agents of Lord Elgin between 1801 and 1812 and are still at the centre of one of the longest-running disputes about where cultural treasures belong.
Did you know?
- About half the surviving Parthenon sculptures were taken to Britain.
- Lord Byron likened their removal to vandalism or looting.
- Greece formally asked for their return in 1983.
Based on the Wikipedia article Elgin Marbles (CC BY-SA 4.0).
