ANTINOUS THE GAY GOD

SPECTACULAR ROMAN HELMET

GOES ON DISPLAY IN LONDON TODAY

AN ANCIENT Roman parade cavalry helmet, which was found in a field in England two years ago, is going on public display for the first time today.

The helmet was discovered by a metal detector enthusiast in May 2010, and was named the Crosby Garret helmet after the village close to where it was found in Cumbria.

It will be on display at the Royal Academy in London through December 9, along side other bronze works spanning 5,000 years.

When the the helmet was unearthed, a Carlisle museum spent weeks trying to raise money to ensure it remained on display in the UK.

However, it was sold at Christie's to an anonymous bidder in October 2010 for $3.6 million (£2.3 million), and has been under wraps ever since.

The helmet is known for its haunting expression, complete with curls of hair and a face mask, and is one of only three of its type to be found.

At almost 2,000 years old, the helmet will join "the best bronzes" from Asia, Africa and Europe in the new show.

Various sculptures by Rodin, Picasso and Giacometti have been loaned from all over the world to the Royal Academy for its landmark exhibition entitled "Bronze".