Silver brooch with Roman coin Empress Helena

Empress Helena, also known as Saint Helena, was the mother of Constantine the Great and is a significant figure in early Christian history. She is often associated with the promotion of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Helena's name itself has Greek origins. The name "Helena" (Ἑλένη in Greek) is derived from the Greek word for "torch" or "light," which symbolizes brightness and illumination. Helena was born around 248 AD in the region of Bithynia. This area had a rich cultural mix, including Greek influences due to the Hellenization of the region following the conquests of Alexander the Great.