Saint Ambrose

Saint Ambrose Historical Figure Nationality: Roman Empire Year of Birth: c. 340 Year of Death: 397 Cause of Death: Natural causes Religion: Christianity Occupation: Clergy, Politician, Author of Non-Fiction, Poet Political Office(s): Governor of Liguria and Emilia Fictional Appearances: Through Darkest Europe 1st POD: c. 1100 CE 2nd POD c. 1265 CE Type of Appearance: Direct (as a mummified corpse)

Saint Aurelius Ambrosius (c. 340-397), better known in English as Ambrose, was a bishop of Milan who became one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century. He was the Roman governor of Liguria and Emilia, headquartered in Milan, before being made bishop of Milan by popular acclamation in 374. A staunch opponent of Arianism, Ambrose was one of the four original Doctors of the Church, and is the patron saint of Milan. He is notable for his influence on St. Augustine of Hippo.

Saint Ambrose in Through Darkest Europe

Over 16 centuries after his death, the mummified corpse of Saint Ambrose (or at least one purporting to be his) remained on display at his Basilica in Milan. Although little remained on the bones beyond a bit of skin and hair, Ambrose was decked out regally in maroon velvet robes and a miter. The skeleton was 3.33 cubits tall, which was quite small even for his time.

In AD 2018, Maghribi agents Khalid al-Zarzisi and Dawud ibn Musa visited the resting place. Khalid wondered whether Ambrose, whose success in life was clearly based on brains not brawn, had pushed extra hard because fate had dealt him this bad hand in life. Khalid wondered if Ambrose's life would have followed the same path if he had been a giant.

References

Catholic Church titles
Preceded by Auxentius	Archbishop of Milan 374–397	Succeeded by Simplician