Finding the situation in Italy to be unsatisfactory and taking advantage of the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius' preoccupation with the Sassanids, Eleutherius proclaimed himself emperor in 619, with the intent of setting up his capital in Rome.
Atopando que a situación en Italia era insatisfactoria e, aproveitándose da preocupación do emperador bizantino Heraclio cos sasánidas, Eleuterio proclamouse emperador en 619, coa intención de establecer a súa capital en Roma.