Saints Theodora and Didymus (died 304) are Christian saints whose legend is based on a 4th century acta and the word of Saint Ambrose. This story is probably at least partially fictitious The pair were martyred in the reigns of co-ruling Roman Emperors Diocletian and Maximianus. Due to a decline in Italian population in Ancient Rome, they issued an edict that it was the duty of Roman women to bear children, and virginity was criminalized. The prefect of Alexandria, Proculus, became aware of Theodora's vow of celibacy and called her before him. He pointed out that she was of a noble Roman family and beautiful and could have her choice of husbands. She told him of her vow of celibacy for Christ. He reminded her that the penalty for such an action was to be taken to a brothel. She swore that,