5. Byron, Stephens and the Future of Ruins

In ‘Byron, Stephens and the Future of Ruins’ (2024), Adrian Poole discusses Lord Byron’s contemplation of ruins, both recent, from war in Europe, and ancient, in places like Rome, Athens and Egypt. The chapter explores Byron’s reflection on past, present and future through the lens of ruins. Byron’s poem Childe Harold dwells on the contrast between the former glory and present degradation of Athens, emphasising the ongoing process of ruin inflicted by modern conflicts. Poole discusses Byron’s critical stance on historical figures like Lord Elgin and Lord Aberdeen, who were involved in transporting artefacts. The chapter also introduces John Lloyd Stephens, an American writer and traveller, credited with uncovering the Maya ruins in Central America. Heavily influenced by Byron, Stephens embarked on perilous journeys into an archaeological past with strong contemporary political resonances. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the enduring significance of ruins and their representation of a past that once had a future.