Following their capture of Sicily from the forces of the Roman Empire in 439, the Vandals from their capital at Carthage no doubt watched events on the Italian penninsula with a prudent caution. Their concern likely grew as the barbarian mercenary Odoacer led the revolt overthrowing the Western Roman Empire and set about revitalizing the military strength of his region.

By 476 a rapprochement with Odoacer seemed in order. The Vandals entered a treaty with Odoacer under which they ceded Sicily to Odoacer's direct control, but with an agreement for Odoacer to pay them an annual tribute in recognition of their claims. Once again, albeit briefly, control of Sicily had returned to Italy.