The rule of Doge Vitale II
An Analysis.

The rule of Doge Vitale II is difficult to study because of a lack of accurate historical evidence from the time, however fragmented documents from Rome regarding the upheaval of events in Italy have survived.

From what we can discern from the few clues, Italy was emerging slowly into the World in 1087. The Italian Peninsular was split in three during this time, with the Italian Doge in command of the north, the Papacy controlling Rome and the surrounding territories and Byzantium maintaining a foothold in Naples.

The Pope of the day Urban II called a great assembly, Doge Vitale II is said to have been present and swore to re-take the holy land, however there is no way to verify these claims as they are found in the archives of Italy, and are not without bias.

Sources from Constantinople are concerned mainly of the loss of Naples to fanatical Catholics and ignore most events but the Byzantine scholars did record that trade flourished during this time, Doge Vitale sent many ships to trade with the Empire in Greece and the surrounding area.

Most of the Italian trade however seemed to be with their sicillian allies to the south. It is known that the heavy taxes from trades did much to fund the construction of several buildings in Northern Italy, The most spectacular of which was said to be the Chapter House in Venice.

Doge Vitale had two sons in Prince Vitale and Prince Orso, and fragmented accounts point rumors that they were both heavy drinkers who personally enjoyed the extra abundance of goods from abroad.

Records also tell of a planned attack on Serbia which for reasons unknown never got underway. A Source in Constantinople has stated that the invasion was actually launched and that men in many small boats were seen off the Coast... However these facts have been regularly disputed as records from The Vatican and Italy do not mention the launch of any such ships or the gathering of such a large force.

One thing is certain though, Doge Vitale II did intend to Crusade towards the Holy Land and expended great effort towards such a goal, indeed all preparations were made, an army was assembled. It was even noted in Constantinople that an Alliance was sought with the Turks to possibly get safe passage towards the Holy Land... But such a deal is dismissed as unlikely.

Doge Vitale II died in 1104AD leaving his eldest son Vitale as Doge despite the whisperings and concerns about his drinking habits, and before he was able to finish his plans for a Crusade to the holy land.

Doge Vitale II would later be known as The Merchant King for his extensive efforts in promoting trade in his realm, we must also take into account of the heavy taxes that were placed upon merchants of the time and that much of the revenue passed back to the Doge to fund his preparations for the planned Crusade.