A member of one of the so-called “twelve apostolic” families, he was married to Felicia Cornaro, who had influence on his politics.

When Doge Vitale I Michiel saw the European commitment to the First Crusade, he then understood the war’s economic importance.

In the spring of 1100, the Venetian fleet headed towards the Levant, where in the meantime, Godfrey of Bouillon and his troops had taken Jerusalem.

Enemy ships had cut off Godfrey’s ability to receive aid and he was forced to negotiate with the Venetians.

In 1101, Vitale I Michiele interceded in favor of Mathilde of Tuscany in regards to the purchase of Ferrara, and obtained generous trade concessions as a result.