In late 487, Odoacer, the King of Italy, invaded the Rugian kingdom and destroyed it.
Frideric's father and his mother, the Ostrogothic princess Gisa, were captured and executed in Italy.
After attempts to recapture their territory failed, Frideric and his followers sought help from Theodoric the Great, king of the Ostrogoths, marching downstream along the Danube to Novae, near Svishtov, for the purpose.
In 489, shortly after the arrival of Frideric, Theodoric was appointed ruler of Italy by the Eastern Roman emperor Zeno.
After having accompanied Theodoric into Italy, Frideric and the Rugians were responsible for protecting Pavia.