History

Who Owns History? The Battle Over Cultural Heritage

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From the bust of Nefertiti to the Pergamon Altar, from Berlin’s Quadriga to Cameroon’s lost throne – priceless cultural treasures shape national identities and spark heated debates about ownership and restitution.

In this documentary series, acclaimed art historian and looted art expert Bénédicte Savoy embarks on a journey to uncover the hidden histories of world-famous artifacts now displayed in Berlin. How did they get there? Were they acquired legally, or through deception, coercion, or colonial power dynamics?

Each episode delves into a different masterpiece, revealing the complex intersections of history, politics, and cultural identity. Through expert analysis and on-the-ground investigations, this series explores the broader question: Who has the right to claim the past, and what does the future hold for these contested treasures?

Episodic Breakdown
Episode 1: Nefertiti – To Whom Belongs This Beauty?  
Episode 2: Pergamon Altar – A Looted Monument?  
Episode 3: Brandenburg Gate – The Untold Story of Berlin's Quadriga  
Episode 4: Mandu Yenu – The Stolen Throne?

Screeners

Programme Details

DURATION
4 x 60'
ORIGINAL BROADCASTER
Nordmedia
ARTE-01-01 ZDF-Logo
AVAILABLE IN
HD
ORIGINAL LANGUAGE
English
ADDITIONAL LANGUAGES
German