Marvels of Milan: Midterm

Constantine the Great

Issued Edict of Milan (313) which made Milan a center of Christian tolerance. Called for the Council of Nicaea & condemned Arianism as heresy — formulating Nicene Creed affirming the Trinity.

Theodosius I

Proclaimed Christianity the state religion (Edict of Thessaloncia). Confronted by Sant’ Ambrogio — church authority > emperor

Sant’ Ambrogio

Influenced Theodosius I to make Christianity state religion. Defender of Nicene Christianity, opposing Arianism. Promoted construction of churches and sacred architecture. Patron saint of Milan/ one of the 4 great Latin church fathers.

Holy Saturday 386

Sant’ Ambrogio stood firm against request to hand basilicas to the Arians. Did not allow Theodosius I into the church until he performed public penance for the massacre he ordered in Thessaloncia.

Iconography of Sant’ Ambrogio

Episcopal: cloak and stole

Shepard: pastoral staff

Teacher/Defender: book or scroll

Sanctity: halo/crown/nimbus

Strictness: whip

Divine Birth: bees

Basilica Vetus - Santa Maria Maggiore

One of the 1st churches in Milan and holiest place until demolished (1386) to make room for the Duomo.

Part of the Episcopal Complex:

Basilica Maior

Baptistry of San Giovanni alle Fonti

Baptistry of Santo Stefano alle Fonti

Basilica Maior - Santa Tecla

Once stood where the Duomo stands today. On the same site a Pagan temple to Minerva stood before Basilica Maior, and before that a Celtic temple for Belisama.

Part of the Episcopal Complex:

Basilica Vetus

Baptistry of San Giovanni alle Fonti

Baptistry of Santo Stefano alle Fonti

Basilica Palatina - Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore

One of Milan’s oldest churches (390-410), rebuilt and preserved over time w/ original Roman imperial layout largely preserved. Considered the 1st centrally planned Christian building in the West.