Helena, mother of Constantine the Great

Flavia Iulia Helena, also known as Saint Helena and Helena of Constantinople, (AD c.248 - c.329) probably born in Drepanum[?] (afterwards re-named Helenopolis) on the Gulf of Nicomedia, was the first wife of Constantius Chlorus, and allegedly the daughter of an innkeeper. Later legend, mentioned by Geoffrey of Monmouth, claimed that she was a daughter of British King Coel Godhebog[?], meaning "King Cole the Magnificent". Other versions of the legend mention Coel not as King but as dux(chief) of Camelodunum (Colchester). It should be noted that her legendary father is not the same as King Coel Hen[?], meaning "Coel the Old" and more recently called "Old King Cole".

Constantius Chlorus divorced her (circa 292) to marry the step-daughter of Maximian, Flavia Maximiana Theodora[?]. Helena's son, Constantine later became emperor of the Roman Empire, and following his elevation she became a presence at the imperial court.

She is also considered by some Christians to be a saint, famed for her piety. Eusebius records the details of her pilgrimage to Palestine and other eastern provinces. She is traditionally credited with the finding of relics of the cross of Christ. Her feast day (as as saint of the Roman Catholic Church) falls on August 18.

External Links

• Who is Saint Helena? (http://www.sthelenas-boerne.org/WhoStHelena.htm)
• A listing of King Coels of British Legend (http://www.earlybritishkingdoms.com/gene/coelanc)
• A geneological tree of her based on the legend (http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~jamesdow/s041/f000008.htm)
• A more detailed bio of the Augusta based on the historical sources (http://www.roman-emperors.org/helena.htm)