Beato
co-Doge of Venice

Biographical

Co-Doge of Venice 804–11 dep.
Hypatos 808

Obelerio, Doge of Venice, appointed his brother Beato as co-Doge. In 805, they visited Charlemagne, who confirmed them as rulers of Venice and made the city a fief of the Franks. To protect the Byzantine Empire's interests in Venice, Emperor Nikephoros sent a fleet to assert his authority. The fleet met no resistance, and Obelerio was confirmed as Doge. However, Beato was taken to Constantinople as a hostage, along with the Bishop of Olivolo. The Byzantines signed a truce with the Franks, and in 808, Beato was allowed to return. To strengthen their rule, Obelerio and Beato appointed another brother, Valentino, as co-Doge. This provoked King Pepin of the Franks to invade Venice. As part of the 810 peace agreement between the Franks and Byzantines, Charlemagne relinquished any claim to Venice, recognising it as a Byzantine possession. Due to their actions and the loss of trust among the Venetian people, Obelerio and his brothers were deposed. Beato was exiled to Zara on the Dalmatian coast.

Son of Encagilio.

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