Julius Nepos, having previously been the Eastern Roman Emperor, sought to establish his authority in the Western Roman Empire amidst a landscape of usurpation and instability. Glycerius had seized power in 473, supported by a faction that opposed Nepos. The political situation was dire as various usurpers had emerged in Rome, reflecting the weakening grip of the imperial authority. By leveraging military support from the East and rallying loyalists, Nepos launched a campaign to regain legitimate control of the West.

On June 24, 474, Nepos confronted Glycerius, leading to a decisive encounter that forced the usurper to abdicate. Glycerius, realizing his untenable position, surrendered his authority, formally transferring power to Nepos. This critical act not only reinstated Nepos as emperor but also underscored the East’s influence over the weakened West. Glycerius was later offered a position as bishop, though the legitimacy of his rule earlier had diminished any claim he might have had to the title.

This moment emphasized the frailty of Roman authority and the continual power struggles that characterized this period. Glycerius's downfall and Nepos’s ascension highlighted the reliance of Western rulers on Eastern recognition and military backing, validating Nepos's role as a puppet of the more powerful Byzantine Empire. The repercussions of this transfer of power continued to resonate through the waning years of the Western Roman Empire, setting the stage for further instability and decline.