Saint Maurice was a Roman officer of the 3rd century, leader of the Theban Legion, composed of Christian soldiers from Egypt. Sent to Gaul by the Emperor Maximian, he refused to carry out orders that were contrary to his faith, including persecuting Christians. With his companions, he preferred to suffer martyrdom rather than renounce his faith. The legion was massacred at Agaune (present-day Saint-Maurice, in Switzerland). Venerated as a model of Christian fidelity, he became the patron saint of soldiers and knights. His cult spread widely, particularly in Lorraine and eastern France.
