Leader of the Theban Legion. Evidence derived from the account written by Eucherius of Lyons about 445. Emperor Maximian (Caesar from 286 to 305), joint emperor with Diocletian, had occupying forces in Gaul, among which was a Legion of Egyptians from Thebeid, consisting of Christians led by Maurice. The emperors outlawed Christianity, demanding the destruction of churches and the sacrifice to the old pagan gods. The Theban Legion led by Maurice mutinied at Agaunum (St. Maurice en Valais, Switzerland), for which they were massacred. The accuracy of the account is doubted, with the possible source the action of some Christian soldiers during Maximian's campaign against Bagaudae (286). There exists a sixth-century monastery at the place of the martyrdom.