Martyrs of The Theban Legion

Biography

The Martyrs of the Theban Legion were a Roman imperial legion of 6,600 soldiers who were all Christians. They were recruited from the area around Thebes in Upper Egypt and led by Saint Maurice. The legion served under Emperor Maximian Herculeus during the third century. In the year 287, Emperor Maximian led the army across the Alps to Agaunum, an area in modern Switzerland, in order to suppress a revolt by the Bagandre in Gaul. As was customary, the army offered public sacrifices to the Roman gods in connection with the battle. However, the Theban Legion, steadfast in their Christian faith, refused to participate in these pagan rituals. Their refusal to obey orders led to severe consequences for the legion. The soldiers were decimated, which meant that one-tenth of them were executed as a punishment for their disobedience. Despite this brutal display, the remaining members of the Theban Legion still refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods. As a result, they were decimated once again. Even after enduring the loss of their comrades, the surviving members of the legion stood firm in their devotion to their Christian beliefs. Emperor Maximian, angered by their persistent refusal to comply with his orders, ultimately ordered the execution of the entire Theban Legion. These brave soldiers accepted martyrdom rather than renounce their faith. They were executed for their unwavering commitment to Christ and their refusal to worship false gods. The Martyrs of the Theban Legion laid down their lives for their faith, becoming witnesses to the Christian truth. The known members of the Theban Legion, who were martyred alongside Saint Maurice, include Saint Alexander of Bergamo, Saint Alverius of Agaunum, Saint Candidus the Theban, Saint Chiaffredo of Saluzzo, Saint Exuperius, Saint Fortunato, Saint Innocent of Agaunum, Saint Martiniano of Pecco, Saint Sebastian of Agaunum, Saint Secundus the Theban, Saint Ursus the Theban, Saint Victor of Agaunum, Saint Victor of Cologne, Saint Victor of Xanten, Saint Victor the Theban, and Saint Vitalis of Agaunum. Additionally, there are other saints associated with the Theban Legion, although their membership in the legion is uncertain. These include Saint Antoninus of Piacenza, Saint Adventor of Turin, Saint Attilio of Trino, Saint Cassius, Saint Florentius the Martyr, Saint George of San Giorio, Saint Gereon, Saint Gusmeo of Gravedona sul Lario, Saint Matthew of Gravedona sul Lario, Saint Octavius of Turin, Saint Pons of Pradleves, Saint Quiricus of Murisengo, Saint Secundus of Asti, Saint Solutor of Turin, Saint Tiberio of Pinerolo, and Saint Verena, the wife of a member of the Theban Legion. The Martyrs of the Theban Legion were commemorated for their sacrifice and devotion to the Christian faith. They died as martyrs in Agaunum around the year 287 and were buried there. A basilica was later built in Agaunum to enshrine the relics of the Legion. While they have not been officially canonized by the Catholic Church, the Martyrs of the Theban Legion are venerated as saints and revered for their courage and commitment to Christ. They serve as inspiring examples of faithfulness and steadfastness in the face of persecution. The feast day of the Martyrs of the Theban Legion is celebrated on September 22nd.