Vitalian's Revolt

Vitalian first appears in the historical record in 503, accompanying his father on campaign against the Persians. He is said to have been quite short and spoke with a stammer. Despite this less than impressive appearance, Vitalian was widely acknowledged as a brave soldier and a cunning leader. At the head of nearly 50,000 men he marched on Constantinople in the summer of 513. The expedition functioned more like a demonstration against the Emperor. Anastasia's took the situation seriously, and set up bronze crosses over the gates of the city,. Inscriptions imply strongly that Vitalian was more opportunist than Crusader.