The Parthenon Marbles, forming a part of the collection known as the Elgin Marbles, are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures that originally were part of the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens.
Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire from 1799–1803, had obtained a controversial permit from the Ottoman authorities to remove pieces from the Acropolis.
From 1801 to 1812 Elgin's agents removed about half of the surviving sculptures of the Parthenon, as well as architectural members and sculpture from the Propylaea and Erechtheum.
The Marbles were transported by sea to Britain.
In Britain, the acquisition of the collection was supported by some, while other critics compared Elgin's actions to vandalism or looting.
Following a public debate in Parliament and subsequent exoneration of Elgin's actions, the marbles were purchased by the British government in 1816.
They were placed on display in the British Museum, where they stand now on view in the purpose-built Duveen Gallery.
The debate continues as to whether the Marbles should remain in the British Museum or be returned to Athens.