The Helmet of Constantine was an item that was made from the relics gathered by St. Helena. Constantine’s conversion to Christianity, which happened around AD 300, was one of great importance. During this time 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.[1] This belief started a huge obsession with finding these relics to protect temples, cities, and even people.
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Constantine was one of these people who was, as they thought, protected because he had a relic in his possession. The helmet that he wore had a piece of the cross that Jesus was crucified on. After Constantine was made Caesar, he issued the Edict of Milan, 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. These nails were considered relics and Constantine used them to stay safe.
The helmet that Constantine wore was no ordinary helmet. It was made with one of the Holy Nails that 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 fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah.[2] The prophecy located in the fourteenth chapter of Zechariah said that one would come who engraved “Holiness to the Lord” on both the bells of the horses and head piece of the man.[2] At this time, the Roman emperor had the holiest relics known to man.[2]
Constantine was very aware of this, and let the entire empire know 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 showed wearing his helmet. This was one way that Constantine moved the Roman Empire away from the pagan religion and towards Christianity.[3] 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 the monogram of Christ inscribed on the helmet.[2] There were also a few religious symbols that were placed on the helmet. The chi-rho symbol was placed on the helmet, which usually represented the cross, but at times it was interpreted as Jesus Christ himself. Another one of these symbols was a labarum piercing a dragon, a serpent. This was significant because the serpent was represented as the devil. But it was also the symbol for any enemy that the Roman Empire had. Constantine’s helmet stood for the strength that the Roman Empire had through military force, and God. The helmet was put on the coins to let everyone know of this.[3] 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.[2] 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.[4] 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.[4] It was called a helmet however he wore it though. 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.[4]