Silence of the Empress

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter covers the decades of the fourth century, between the late 330s and 80s, during which little mention was made of Helena. It discusses the reasons for such silence, including the need of Helena’s grandsons to repair relations with their “Theodoran” relatives in the face of continuing violent divisions. To assess the extent of Helena’s immediate influence and legacy, the chapter follows the trail of two female descendants of the Constantinian dynasty: Helena’s granddaughter Constantina and Theodora’s (probable) great-granddaughter Justina. Their respective activities replicated aspects of Helena’s role at the court of Constantine, but changed historical circumstances allowed them to considerably expand on Helena’s spheres of action. The chapter also discusses the greater visibility and negative publicity that especially Justina attracted, which became the framework for Helena’s rediscovery as a significant figure from the Constantinian past.