However, John Norwich doubts this assumption since Dandolo lived 250 years later and his chronicle about this time is quite inaccurate.

Vitale Faliero is the first Doge whose image is known, being allegedly portrayed next to the high altar of St. Mark's Basilica.

When he became Doge, Venice was supporting the Byzantine Empire in the war against the Normans under Robert Guiscard (see Siege of Durazzo).

In the spring of 1095, the Venetian fleet obtained a great naval victory at Butrint (in modern-day Albania) that avenged Selvo's defeat at Corfu.

The recovery in the prestige of the city is testified by the visit of Emperor Henry IV, to whom it was allied during the Investiture Controversy against the pope, for the consecration of St. Mark's church, the rebuilding of which was completed at this time.