Helmet of Constantine

[1] According to a story recorded by Ambrose and others, it included relics gathered in the Holy Land by his mother, Empress Helena.

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.

Helena found the cross and sent three nails that were used in the crucifixion of Jesus back to Rome and her son Constantine[citation needed].

The helmet that Constantine wore included one of the Holy Nails that Saint Helena found at the crucifixion site.

[4] The prophecy located in the fourteenth chapter of the Book of Zechariah said that one would come who engraved “Holiness to the Lord” on both the bells of the horses and headpiece of the man.

[4][page needed] A rare silver medallion dated 315 AD shows Constantine with a chi-rho symbol as the crest of his helmet, and Eusebius' Life of Constantine records that he often wore such a helmet in later life, although it is not visible in other bronze coins.

[7] 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.