The Elgin Marbles Controversy

Did Britain’s Lord Elgin rescue ancient Greek marble sculptures and architectural fragments—including a 24-foot marble frieze—from the Parthenon in the early 19th century or did he steal them? Greece's position is clear: The country wants them back from the British Museum.

But do the citizens of modern Greece have any claim over items produced in their region by people who lived thousands of years ago? While the battle over ownership roils, the famed works, removed in 1801 by Thomas Bruce, Seventh Lord Elgin, when he was ambassador to the court of the Ottoman Sultan in Istanbul, have already been renamed in wide circles from the Elgin Marbles to the Parthenon Marbles.  

Join art historian Joseph Cassar in an exploration of these ancient sculptures made under the supervision of architect and sculptor Phidias and his assistants for the temple of the Parthenon on the Acropolis and the controversies that have swirled around them since they left Greece.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*

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*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.