Nigel Konstam argues that the most highly praised among The Elgin Marbles, the highest achievement of Classical Greek sculpture, are in fact Roman reproductions of the original Greek sculptures that had been damaged by nearly 600 years of acid rain.

This theory gives us the first certain comparison of Greek originals with Roman copies. If the theory finds acceptance it should lead to a better appreciation of the Roman contribution to the evolution of art in Europe.

In this short book, Konstam explains his reasoning and presents the evidence by taking you on a tour of the works in The British Museum. The results are dynamite that will blow away long standing illusions in art criticism.