to each other with solemn oaths while they partook of the Christian sacraments.[1] The rebel general was, however, too weighty a personage to subside into the position of a tame subordinate, and his masterful presence threatened to nullify the authority of the Emperor and his nephew.[2] His ascendancy was endured for more than a twelvemonth, and the consulship of 520 was conceded to him. But while he celebrated the games in the Hippodrome popular enthusiasm in his favour rose to a dangerous height.[3] The Court became alarmed, and a hasty resolution was arrived at to do away with him. In the interval of the display he repaired to the palace with two of his lieutenants to be entertained at a collation, and on entering the banqueting hall they were attacked by a company of Justinian's satellites,[4] and Vitalian fell pierced with a multitude of wounds.[5] Shortly afterwards Justinian succeeded to his place and was created a Master of Soldiers, with the virtual rank of commander-in-chief of the Imperial forces.[6] The next year he was raised to the
- ↑ Zachariah Mytil., viii, 2; Procopius, Anecdot., 6. After this Justinian spoke of him as his "most distinguished brother"; Hormisdas, Epist., 55.
- ↑ In the government of the Church he showed great activity, traces of which will be found in Concil. and Baronius, etc., during these years.
- ↑ Jn. Malala, especially in Hermes, loc. cit.
- ↑ Procopius, loc. cit.; Evagrius, iv, 3; Victor Ton., an. 523. As to the Delphicum, or banqueting room, see Procopius, De Bel. Vand., i, 21.
- ↑ Marcellinus Com., an. 520. Theophanes says he was killed in an émeute by the Byzantines to avenge those who perished through his insurrection under Anastasius, but this is evidently a report circulated later on to cover Justinian's guilt. Zonaras mentions both versions of the murder.
- ↑ Const. Porph., De Them., i, 12.
