St. Vitalis was among the Martyrs of the Thebian Legion. The members of a Roman Legion composed largely of Egyptians and serving in the army of co-Emperor Maximian (r. 286-305), colleague of the famed persecutor of Christians, Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). While serving in France, the legion marched to Agaunum, where it encamped for pagan rituals. Maurice, a commander - along with Exuperius, Candidus, Innocent, Vitalis, two Victors, and the men of the legion - refused to worship pagan dieties, or possibly refused to massacre the local innocent people. Some of their officers were beheaded, but they refused to be pressured to obey and resolutely refused to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods. Reportedly, Maximian brought in another legion to slay the sixty-six hundred Christians. A basilica, St. Maurice en Valais, was built from about 369-391 to commemorate this remarkable martyrdom.