The Daily Question
What was unique about St. Maurice’s Theban Legion within the Roman Empire?
1. It was composed of gladiators freed from slavery
2. It was a legion of Roman soldiers who were all Christians
3. It was an elite cavalry unit from Gaul
4. It was a mercenary force hired by Egypt
Your answer was: It was a legion of Roman soldiers who were all Christians
You are correct!!
Answer: The correct answer is it was a legion of Roman soldiers who were all Christians. The Theban Legion, commanded by St. Maurice, was a full Roman military formation recruited in Thebes, Egypt, during the late third century. Unlike most legions of the time, its ranks were made up entirely of Christian soldiers who served loyally under the imperial banner until Emperor Maximian ordered them to sacrifice to pagan gods and kill innocent civilians. Their refusal led to their mass martyrdom at Agaunum, now Saint‑Maurice in Switzerland. This extraordinary event stands out in Roman history — a disciplined legion choosing faith over obedience — and later inspired the Vatican’s Swiss Guard, who honor Maurice as their patron and model of moral courage.
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