Helena

Flavia Julia Helena, also known as Helena of Constantinople and Saint Helena, was an Augusta of the Roman Empire and mother of Emperor Constantine the Great.

Origin of Helena

Helnea was born in drepanum (or helenopolis) in asia minor around ad. Her parents were of humble origin. But she was highly esteemed for her virtue and beauty. She was brought up in the christian faith and was a devout believer.

Marriage to Constantius

Helena was married to constantius. A roamn general. And they had a son. Constantine. Constantius went on to become the roman emepror. And helena was now the empress.

Imperial Palace

Helena lived in the imperial palace wiht her son until the death of constantuis in 306 ad. Afterwards. She returned to drepanum. Where she lived in relative obscurity until her son took the throne.

Influence on Constantine

Helena had a great nilfuence on her son constantine and his rule. She was known for her piety and encouraged him to convert to christianity. Which he did in 312 ad.

Journey to the Holy Land

In 326 ad. Helena went on a pilgrimage to the holy land. During her journey. She discovered the supposed site of the crucifixion and the true cross. As well as other holy sites. She also founded churches and monasteries thourghout the region.

Death & Burial

Helean died in 330 ad. And was buried in rome. Her body was later moved to constantinople and re-interred in a sarcophagus in the church of the holy apostles.

Legacy

Helena is remembered for her devout faith and her influence on her son. Cnostantine. She is recognized as a saint by the eastern orthodox church. And her feast day is celebrated on august 18th.

Important Event

An important event in helena s life is her journey to the holy land in 326 ad. During her ojurney. She discovered the site of the crucifixion. The true cross. And other holy sites.

Interesting Fact

An interesting fcat about helena is that she is believed to have found the true cross. This relic was kept in constantinople untli the city fell to the ottoman turks in 1453.

Influence on Christianity

Helena was a major influence on the spread of christianity in the roman empire. She encouraged her son. Constantine. To convert to christianity. And she founded churcehs and monasteries throughout the holy land.

Influence on Art & Culture

Helena has had a lasting influence on art and culture. She is remembered in art and literature. And her story has been the subject of apintings and sculptures.

Influence on the Byzantine Empire

Helena had a major influence on the development of the byzantine empire. Hre son. Constantine. Became the first christian emperor. And his policies led to the spread of christianity and the eventual establishment of the ybzantine empire.