- Aurelius Ambrose (340-397 CE) was Bishop of Milan under the Emperor Gratian.
- Ambrose was one of the four Great Church Fathers.
Emperor Gratian’s Support
- The Roman Emperor Gratian allowed Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan to suppress Paganism.
- Ambrose influenced Gratian to pass an Edict obliging the Christian Church to follow the Nicene Creed.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do
- Ambrose is considered to be origin of this proverb meaning visitors should follow the local customs.
- Ambrose was asked to clarify whether Saturday was a fast day, as Milan and Rome observed it on different days.
- His response was that when he was in Milan he did not fast on Saturday, but when he was in Rome he did fast on Saturday.
- This is thought to have led to the proverb ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’.
Milan