Introduction

In 511, Emperor Anastasia allowed his patriarch Timothy to tamper with church liturgy. The news of the decision aroused particular anger in the Balkans. Vitalian, a general who commanded Frederick troops, sounded that call by accusing Hypatius of withholding provisions from his men. Now in his early 80s, and perhaps showing his age, Anastasia seems to have thrown in his lot with his monophysite friends.