One of the six caryatids – sculpted female figures that supported the roof of the south porch of the Erechtheion, an ancient Greek temple on the Acropolis of Athens – was removed in the early nineteenth century by Lord Elgin and later sold to the British Museum. Elgin claimed he had permission from the Ottoman authorities, who ruled Greece at the time, though the extent and legitimacy of this permit are disputed. Greece argues that the caryatid is an integral architectural element and should be reunited with the remaining figures in Athens. Critics also emphasise that its removal caused damage to the structure and occurred under foreign occupation, raising ethical concerns about consent and cultural integrity.