Brokerage, Compromise and Metropolitan Authority in Ambrose of Milan

This article draws on Social Network Analysis to explore the structure of Ambrose of Milan’s clerical ties in his letter collection. While this method has limitations for cases where data is limited, scattered, and edited, it can shed light on clerical politics in the region. I will argue that the relative centrality of Sabinus of Piacenza in the network of known connections suggests that Ambrose was not the sole dominant figure in the group. Ambrose's close relationship with the emperor and the imperial court gave him leverage he could capitalize on at times. But a closer analysis of his participation in episcopal elections and his conflict with bishop Syagrius of Verona shows that Ambrose often struggled to exercise his influence in the region.