How did Theodosius I respond to St. Ambrose’s demand for public penance?

In 390, following a brutal massacre of citizens in Thessalonica ordered by Theodosius I in retaliation for the murder of one of his generals, St. Ambrose condemned the emperor's actions and demanded that he perform public penance.12

After a period of prolonged hesitation, Theodosius complied with the bishop's order and was readmitted to communion at Christmas in 390. While this event has been interpreted in later centuries as a triumph of the church over the state, historical analysis suggests it was viewed at the time as a demonstration of the power of atonement for a penitent sinner rather than a formal shift in political authority. Despite this act of submission, Theodosius remained intent on preserving imperial authority and ensuring that the interests of the state were not subordinated to the clergy.2