The vast network of alliances erected by the expansionist Charles of Anjou to conquer the Greek East include not only Sicily, parts of Italy, Greek Laskarid dissidents, various Slavs of the Balkans, Philip of Courtenay of the former Latin Empire, France, and Venice, but also the papacy.

Charles invades imperial territory in 1281, launching an attack across the Adriatic on Berat in Albania under the French general Hugh “the Red” of Sully, a Burgundian a knight of fiery and haughty temperament.

According to the chroniclers, Hugh had been named Vicar-General of Charles' Kingdom of Albania in August 1279, and leads the Sicilian forces in their unsuccessful attempt to take Berat from the Empire in 1280–1281.

Sully is taken prisoner in an ambush in spring 1281, whereupon his army scatters and suffers many losses to the pursuing imperial forces.

He is then taken to Constantinople where he is paraded in the streets along with the other captives.

Sully will eventually be released after years in Greek captivity and return to Italy.