September 22, 286 - Maximian Murders His Christian Soldiers

On September 22, 286, Roman Co-Emperor Maximian executed over 6000 of his own Roman soldiers because they refused to worship Roman gods and denounce Jesus Christ. Known as the Theban Legion because they were coptic Christians from Thebes in Egypt, they were ordered to modern day Switzerland to help Maximian fight the Gauls. It was common practice to offer sacrifices to pagan gods before battle, and these men refused to do so, so they were killed. Pictured is the Abbey of St. Maurice, named for the Theban commander who first refused to worship pagan deities.