They envied the fortune of their brethren in Gaul, Spain, and Africa, whose victorious arms had acquired an independent and perpetual inheritance; and they insisted that a third part of the lands of Italy should be immediately divided among them.

Orestes, the father of emperor Romulus Augustus, rejected their demand – causing their revolt.

From all the camps and garrisons of Italy the confederates flocked to the standard of Odoacer, their leader; Orestes later retreated to Pavia.

The city, defended by Paulus (the brother of Orestes)[2] was captured swiftly and easily.

Two days later, the sixteen-year-old emperor Romulus Augustulus was forced to abdicate by Odoacer.