# Helena Augusta

> saint, first wife of Roman emperor Constantius Chlorus, and mother of Emperor Constantine the Great (250-330)

**Wikidata**: [Q170164](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q170164)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helena,_mother_of_Constantine_I)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/helena-augusta

## Summary
Helena Augusta was a saint, first wife of Roman emperor Constantius Chlorus, and mother of Emperor Constantine the Great (250–330). She is revered in Christianity for her piety and role in the early Roman Empire.

## Biography
- Born: 250–330 (approximate dates)
- Nationality: Roman
- Known for: Being the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great and a devout Christian saint
- Employer(s): None (married to Constantius Chlorus, a Roman emperor)
- Field(s): Religious and imperial family history

## Contributions
Helena Augusta is primarily known for her role as the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, whose reign significantly influenced the Christianization of the Roman Empire. She is also venerated as a saint in Christian tradition.

## FAQs
**Who was Helena Augusta married to?**
Helena Augusta was the first wife of Roman emperor Constantius Chlorus.

**What is Helena Augusta most famous for?**
She is most famous for being the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, whose reign marked a turning point in the Christianization of the Roman Empire.

**Where is Helena Augusta buried?**
There are multiple churches and cathedrals named after her, including Sant'Elena Church in Rome and St Helen's Basilica in Malta, indicating her veneration in various Christian traditions.

## Why They Matter
Helena Augusta's influence lies in her role as the mother of Constantine the Great, whose reign transformed the Roman Empire into a Christian state. Her piety and devotion to Christianity made her a revered figure in Christian history. Without her, the early Christianization of the Roman Empire would have been significantly different.

## Notable For
- Mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, who Christianized the Roman Empire
- Revered as a saint in Christian tradition
- Associated with multiple churches and cathedrals worldwide, including Sant'Elena Church in Rome and St Helen's Basilica in Malta

## Body
### Early Life and Marriage
Helena Augusta was born between 250 and 330, the approximate lifespan of her son, Emperor Constantine the Great. She married Constantius Chlorus, a Roman emperor, making her the mother of Constantine the Great.

### Role in the Roman Empire
As the mother of Constantine the Great, Helena Augusta played a crucial role in the early Christianization of the Roman Empire. Her son's reign marked a significant shift in Roman history, as Christianity became the dominant religion.

### Religious Veneration
Helena Augusta is venerated as a saint in Christian tradition. Multiple churches and cathedrals worldwide are named after her, including Sant'Elena Church in Rome, St Helen's Basilica in Malta, and the Church of Saints Simon and Helena in Minsk, Belarus. These structures reflect her enduring influence in Christian history.

### Legacy
Helena Augusta's legacy is closely tied to her son's reign, which transformed the Roman Empire into a Christian state. Her piety and devotion to Christianity made her a revered figure in early Christian history. Her associations with various churches and cathedrals worldwide underscore her lasting impact on Christian tradition.

## References

1. BiographySampo
2. The National Biography of Finland
3. ESBE/Constantine the Great
4. ESBE/Holy Helena
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. CERL Thesaurus
9. LIBRIS. 2008
10. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aistich.php)
11. FactGrid
12. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
13. HMML Authority File