Sarcophagus of Helena This marble sarcophagus was made for Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, at her death. Its detailed carvings show victorious Roman horsemen and barbarian prisoners. Helena became a Christian before her son did and may have influenced his conversion. She was sent by Constantine on a journey to bring sacred relics from Jerusalem to Constantinople as part of his efforts to promote Christianity in the empire.
(Museo Pio Clementino, Vatican Museums and Galleries, Vatican State/© Vanni Archive/Art Resource, NY)