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Photo by Richard Nowitz

Radiant in the late-afternoon sun, the Parthenon hovers over modern Athens. This temple to Athena was originally adorned with marble sculptures carved under the direction of Phidias. Few of these carvings remain in situ, however—the result of wars, fire and looting. In “Lord Elgin’s Marbles,” Jacob Rothenberg relates how some of the marbles ended up in the British Museum. In the accompanying debate, two experts take opposing stands on whether these marbles should be returned to Greece (see “Leave the Marbles Where They Are!” and “Bring the Marbles Home!”).