The Probert Encyclopaedia of People

HELENA

Helena is the name of several saints, of whom the chief was the mother of the Emperor Constantine the Great, a woman of humble origin, and a native either of Bithynia or of Britain. She became the wife of Constantius Chlorus, who, however, was compelled to repudiate her when made Cassar by Diocletian in 292 AD. At the same time he made her son his sole heir, and Constantine, on his accession, took her to reside with him at the palace, and gave her the title of Augusta. She did much for the advancement of religion, and is said to have discovered the true cross, in honour of which she founded the church of the holy sepulchre at Jerusalem. She died shortly after at the age of eighty, in 328 or 326 AD.
Research Helena