The Price of Antiquity & An Ancient Roman Helmet

Ancient Roman helmet sells for 10 times estimated amount
Click here to read about how this helmet which was found in Carlisle, UK. 

Last May- the above helmet was found by a young"metal detectorist." Now it's been sold for 2.28 million pounds ($3.6 million). This helmet was made between the 1st to 2nd century A.D, and has been called the Crosby Garrett helmet by Christie's auction house, 

According to the article above:

Carlisle was an important military center in Roman times, when it was known as Luguvalium in the region of Hadrian's Wall. The first Roman fort in Carlisle was built in 72 and 73 A.D. during the initial conquest of northern Britain, at a strategic point overlooking the confluence of two rivers, and just west of the main north-south road, which was used regularly by troops, according to the museum.

The Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery located near where the helmet was found wants to keep the piece in their region of Cumbria. There was international appeal to raise funds to purchase the piece from Christie's.  The public raised over £50,000 which was matched by an anonymous benefactor, who pledged £1 for every £1 donated by the public-but the Tullie House was outbid.  

Scroll down here to read more about the museum's appeal to bring the Roman Helmet back to the region. What will happen to the helmet is unknown. According to the museum the winning bidder has preferred to Roman anonymous. 

If you can't see this You Tube video please click here.

Click here here and here read more about this work by the  Christie's auction house. If you happen to be disappointed that you lost out on the chance to big item-don't worry presently there are 330 antiquities items more items from antiquity up for bid. 

Do you think antiquities should be for sale for personal use? Did you know that you could purchase your own piece of history? Do you think it's perfectly fine for antiquities to be for sale-after all museums are full to the brim with items from the Ancient world? Do you think rare works of art as this  

According to Christie's press release: 

"With its enigmatic features, the Crosby-Garrett Helmet is an extraordinary example of Roman metalwork at its zenith. It is one of only three that have been discovered in Britain complete with face-masks, the others being the Ribchester Helmet, found in 1796 and now in the British Museum, and the Newstead Helmet, in the Museum of Antiquities, Edinburgh, found circa 1905."

Given the rarity of this item where do you think this belongs? In the home of some one who can afford it or in a museum available from which all can benefit? Should the British government impose an export ban to prevent the helmet being taken out of the UK?

 What additional thoughts does this topic spark for you? Please be sure to send me a message inside your Course Message Center. If you'd like you can also add your comment's right to Magistra Craig's blog.

The first 18 discipuli who respond to me with an a well piece where you explain your point of view- (2-3 well written paragraphs will suffice.) Those students will be dutifully rewarded with some items from our own (purchased) Roman coin collection.  

~MC