What Are the Elgineia of Rhodes?

The term “Elgineia” evokes a sharp comparison: just as the Elgin Marbles of the Parthenon left Athens for London, so too did this chronicle leave Rhodes for Denmark. But the context here is specific, local, and deeply woven into the identity of Lindos.

The Chronicle of Lindos consists of two Doric inscriptions dated to 99 BCE, likely commissioned to preserve fading dedications to Athena Lindia. One records votive offerings made to the goddess across centuries; the other lists the names of the temple priests, stretching from 405 BCE to 47 CE. These records were written in formal, poetic Doric—an enduring echo of the religious, civic, and military life of ancient Lindos.

Their discovery in the early 20th century marked a major milestone in Dodecanese archaeology. But the fact that they now rest in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen—far from their birthplace—has become a matter of cultural and ethical concern.

Why They Matter—Then and Now

These inscriptions are not mere stones. They document not only religious ritual, but the historical arc of Lindos’ significance—from its days as a leading city of the Doric Hexapolis, through the Persian Wars, and into the era of Roman administration.

They reference mythic and historical figures—Timachidas of Lindos, a renowned local scholar; the failed siege by Datis, general of Darius; and countless dedications offered to Athena Polias, protector of the city. The texts preserve how Lindos saw itself—and how it wished to be remembered.

They’re also, importantly, the only such chronicle of its kind from a Greek temple still known to scholars today.

And yet, few Rhodians or visitors have ever seen them.

The Campaign for Cultural Reconnection

In 2021, a formal awareness campaign was launched by the Municipality of Rhodes, in partnership with the University of the Aegean, to bring this story back to the people. The initiative, led by Deputy Mayor of Lindos Nikos Karamaritis and Professor Spyros Syropoulos, is focused on education, cultural events, and long-term diplomatic engagement.

The campaign’s immediate goals include:

• Creating exact replicas of the inscriptions in Lindos
• Organizing exhibitions and talks to inform locals and visitors about the stele
• Exploring options for eventual repatriation or long-term loan

This isn’t a demand—it’s a dialogue. A respectful call to reconnect Rhodes with one of its most profound historical artifacts, and to let the Chronicle be seen not only in museums, but also in the landscape it was born to witness.

The Ethics of Memory: Repatriation and Responsibility

The case of the Elgineia of Rhodes is not unique—but it is emblematic. All across the Mediterranean, cultural heritage objects removed in the early 20th century are now being re-examined through the lens of local identity, decolonization, and public access.

This inscription was not looted, but excavated with permission during a different political era. Still, the reality today is this: a central piece of Rhodian history remains inaccessible to the people it represents.

The campaign doesn’t reject international scholarship—it invites collaboration, rooted in fairness, transparency, and cultural respect.

What’s Next: A Chronicle Reborn?

As cultural diplomacy evolves and public pressure grows, the Chronicle may yet return—if not physically, then symbolically, through replicas, digital reconstructions, and bilingual displays that bring the words of ancient Lindians to life again in their rightful setting.

For now, the conversation continues. And so does the quiet hope that one day, the Elgineia of Rhodes will not be known for their absence—but for their homecoming.

Stones That Still Speak

The story of the Elgineia of Rhodes is a reminder that history is not just about what we remember—it’s about where we remember it.

In Lindos, every street is layered with time. Every chapel rests on ancient foundations. And somewhere in the minds of locals and the hearts of scholars is the echo of a carved voice, still waiting to return.

Until then, the campaign goes on—not only to recover the past, but to protect the right of a people to know their story, in their own soil.