Who did St. Ambrose excommunicate for murdering 7,000 village people in Thessalonica?

St. Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan, is known for his steadfastness and moral authority, particularly evident in his actions regarding Emperor Theodosius I. The specific event that led to the excommunication of Theodosius occurred in 390 AD after he ordered a brutal massacre of approximately 7,000 people in Thessalonica. This violent retribution was in response to the murder of a military official, and the excessive force used by the emperor shocked Ambrose and many others in the Christian community.

St. Ambrose believed in the importance of upholding Christian ethics, including justice and mercy. His excommunication of Theodosius was a significant event that illustrated the growing authority of bishops and the role of church leadership in moral matters of the state. It emphasized the principle that even rulers must adhere to moral law and be held accountable for their actions, particularly when those actions led to the suffering of innocents. This confrontation also signified a vital moment in church-state relations, showcasing the power of ecclesiastical authority over a governing figure, which shaped the future of Christian thought and influence on governance.