This Roman helmet, dating to the 1st or 2nd century AD, sold at auction today for $3.6 million. I hope a biker bought it! From CNN:
The helmet is made of two sections: the tall pointed helmet and the face mask. The latter has openwork eyes, which would have allowed the wearer to see during the cavalry sports events — known as hippika gymnasia — when it would have been used.
The face has incised eyelashes on the upper and lower lids, herringbone eyebrows, and pierced nostrils, all framed by three rows of corkscrew curls.
At the peak of the cap is a small griffin, seated with its wings outstretched, revealing the incised feather detail. Its right paw is raised and rests on the rim of a small amphora.
Colorful streamers may have been attached to the helmet when it was worn, Christie's says.
"Ancient Roman helmet sells for 10 times estimated amount"
