Datius

Datius bishop of Milan, was consecrated about 527. He brought ruin upon his countrymen by the part he took in instigating, the revolt of Liguria from Vitiges, the Gothic king of Italy. When Milan was sacked by the Goths he fled to Constantinople. In 547 he united with pope Vigilius in opposing Justinian's condemnatory edict of the three articles, by refusing to sign it; and the two controversialists took refuge in the church of St. Peter, at Constantinople, in 551, from which the imperial troops vainly endeavored to drag the pope by force. A second refuge was taken in the church of St. Euphemia, at Chalcedon, where the pope, afraid to leave his asylum, appointed Datius one of his representatives in the approaching discussions. Datius died about 555. See Smith, Dict. of Christ. Biog. s.v.