Helmet of Constantine

Silvermedallionof 315; Constantine with achi-rhosymbol as the crest of his helmet

TheHelmet of Constantinewas a form of helmet worn by the Roman EmperorConstantine the Great,now lost, which featured in his imperialiconography.According to a story recorded byAmbroseand others, it includedrelicsgathered in theHoly Landby his mother, EmpressHelena.Constantine's conversion toChristianity,which happened around AD 300, was of great importance. In this period it was believed that touching the body of the deceased or even something that came in contact with the person who had died was said to have special powers.This belief started a movement to find theserelicsto protect churches, cities, and even people.

History

At the time, Constantine I was thought to be protected due to the relic in his possession.The helmet that he wore was said to have a piece of theTrue CrossthatJesuswas crucified on. After Constantine was madeCaesar,he issued theEdict of Milan(313), sending his mother Helena to find the True Cross and to send back what she found. Helena found the cross and sent three nails that were used in the crucifixion of Jesus back to Rome and her son Constantine.

The helmet that Constantine wore included one of theHoly Nailsthat Saint Helena found at the crucifixion site. By making the helmet with one of the nails, it was supposed to protect him from any harm. Not only was it a sign of protection, but it was also said to fulfil the prophecy ofZechariah.The prophecy located in the fourteenth chapter of theBook of Zechariahsaid that one would come who engraved “Holiness to the Lord” on both the bells of the horses and headpiece of the man.At this time, theRoman emperorhad the holiest relics known to man.

A rare silvermedalliondated 315 AD shows Constantine with achi-rhosymbol as the crest of his helmet, andEusebius'Life of Constantinerecords that he often wore such a helmet in later life, although it is not visible in other bronze coins.Constantine was very aware of this, and let the entireRoman Empireknow that he was the owner of this holy helmet. The emperor had coins made with the image of him wearing his helmet on the front. On every VLLP coin that was made, Constantine was shown wearing his helmet. This was one way that Constantine moved the Roman Empire away from thepagan religionand towardsChristianity.The coins that were made after Constantine acquired his helmet showed that the nail was not the only thing that made his helmet religious. Constantine also had theChristograminscribed on the helmet.There were also a few religious symbols that were placed on the helmet. The Christogram was placed on the helmet, which usually represented the cross, but at times it was interpreted as JesusChristhimself. Another one of these symbols was alabarumpiercing adragon,aserpent.This was significant because the serpent was represented as theDevil.But it was also the symbol for any enemy that the Roman Empire had. Constantine's helmet stood for the strength that theRoman Empirehad through military force, and God. The helmet was put on the coins to let everyone know of this. Constantine's helmet was mainly a crown that was fastened to the head by two clamps. The majority of the helmet was made out of iron and gold.Constantine thought having the chi-roh symbol on the helmet would give him added protection to that of the relic that was already in the helmet.The crown that was made with the nail was placed around a full helmet when the Emperor went into battle, but could easily be taken off.It was called a helmet; however, he wore it. This is because of the two clamps that held it in place. If these two clamps were not on the original crown it would not be called a helmet at all.

See also

• Nail (relic)