Peter III of Aragon landed at Trapani in Sicily with the intention of supporting the local uprisings against the oppressive rule of Charles I of Anjou. The War of the Sicilian Vespers, which had erupted earlier that year, was rooted in deep-seated resentment toward the French control over Sicily. The Sicilian population, incited by the murder of a local man during a marriage celebration, began to rebel vigorously against Anjou’s reign. Peter's landing signaled a critical shift in the power dynamics of the conflict. He had been invited to intervene by the Sicilian rebels who hoped to establish local governance free from foreign domination.

Upon his arrival, Peter III was welcomed with enthusiasm by the Sicilian populace, who saw him as a liberator from Anjou's harsh policies. The military presence he brought emphasized Aragon's support for the rebels and legitimized their cause on a larger stage. This intervention was not merely a military maneuver but also strategically important in establishing Aragon's influence in the Mediterranean region. The subsequent battles that followed further embroiled Aragon and Anjou in a protracted struggle for control over Sicily.

The resulting warfare ceased to be just a local issue but escalated into a larger conflict that drew in various powers of the time, shifting alliances and altering the political landscape of southern Italy. The conflict would continue for several years, leading to further invasions and attempts at reconquest by both sides, ultimately culminating in the eventual establishment of Aragonese rule over Sicily.