The following year, the local Turkish commandant allowed the artists to make drawings but refused to allow them to take casts or build scaffolding for a closer look at the sculptures.

In 1801 Elgin obtained a firman , or authority, from the Sultan which gave him permission to take away any sculptures or inscriptions which did not interfere with the works or walls of the citadel.

The looting of the Parthenon began immediately. The sculptures were lowered from the temple and transported by British sailors on a gun carriage. On December 26 1801, fearing the French might try to obstruct his work, Elgin ordered the immediate shipment of the sculptures on the ship "Mentor" which he had brought for this purpose.

During 1806, one of the Caryatids was removed, as well as a corner of the Erechtheum, part of the frieze of the Parthenon, many inscriptions and hundreds of vases.

Others joined in the looting and this incredible activity, which was not confined to the Acropolis but was carried out throughout Athens and large parts of Greece, continued for many years. In 1810 Elgin loaded the last of his booty on the warship "Hydra".

In 1817 two more warships, the "Tagus" and the "Satellite", were loaded with gravestones, copperware and hundreds of vases. Four years later, the Greek War of Independence finally brought Elgin's looting to an end.