Emperor Michael II, immediately upon learning of the Arab landing and before the Andalusians have secured their control over the entire island, reacts decisively and sends successive expeditions to recover the island.

Losses suffered during the revolt of Thomas the Slav have hampered Constantinople's ability to respond, however, and if the landing occurred in 827/828, the diversion of ships and men to counter the gradual conquest of Sicily by the Tunisian Aghlabids also interfered.

The first expedition, under Photeinos, strategos of the Anatolic Theme, and Damian, Count of the Stable, had been defeated in open battle, in which Damian had been killed.

The next expedition had been sent a year later and comprised seventy ships under the strategos of the Cibyrrhaeots Krateros.

It is initially victorious, but the overconfident imperial navy is then routed in a night attack.