New documentary on the theft of the Parthenon Sculptures – “Take the whole temple with the Carya… whatever they’re called"

A new documentary by Mimi Denissi for Greek national broadcaster ERT sheds light on unknown details surrounding the theft of the Parthenon Marbles by Lord Elgin, based on the personal correspondence of his wife, Lady Mary Nisbet. Directed by Katerina Evangelakou, the film reveals Lady Elgin’s role in organizing the plunder and her naive yet revealing attitude toward the ancient Greek masterpieces, which she viewed merely as decorations for their garden.

 Denissi discovered the rare correspondence in a Chicago library, demonstrating that Elgin had no intention of “saving” the Marbles but rather sought to satisfy personal and social ambitions. The documentary also examines the alleged firman Elgin claimed to possess — which, according to Turkish archaeologist Zeynep Boz, never existed — confirming that the removal was an act of outright theft.

 The film features prominent figures such as Nikos Stampolidis and Eleni Glykatzi-Arveler, and was filmed in Greece, Istanbul, and London. Spanning two major episodes, the documentary is expected to serve as an important cultural and diplomatic tool in Greece’s ongoing effort to secure the return of the Parthenon Marbles.