Ever since its reconquest from the Ostrogoths by Belisarius in 535–536, Sicily had formed a distinct province under a praetor, while the army was placed under a dux.
Alates idagootidelt tagasivallutamisest Belisariose poolt aastatel 535–536 moodustas Sitsiilia eraldi provintsi preetori võimu all, samas kui armeed juhtis dux.