Theban Legion
Theban Legion | |
|---|---|
A detail of a contemporary Russian Orthodox icon depicting certain martyrs of the Theban Legion, including Victor of Solothurn (first from bottom left) and Saint Maurice (second from bottom left) | |
| Martyrs | |
| Born | 3rd century Thebes (present-day Egypt) |
| Died | 286 AD Agaunum (present-day Switzerland) |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church Coptic Orthodox Church |
| Feast | September 22 |
| Attributes | large group of soldiers |
The Theban Legion (also known as the Martyrs of Agaunum) figures in Christian hagiography as a Roman legion from Egypt —"six thousand six hundred and sixty-six men" — consisting of Christian soldiers who were martyred together in 286, according to the hagiographies of Maurice, the chief among the Legion's saints. Their feast day is held on September 22.