Odovacar

As I recall, Odovacar politely packaged up the imperial regalia and sent it to the Eastern emperor Zeno in Constantinople, saying that a separate western colleague was no longer required.

Birdoswald Roman Fort: dating the post-Roman use of the site Carla 2010

Zeno could henceforth exercise undivided imperial authority, and Odovacar kindly offered to administer Italy in Zeno's name, complete with Zeno's image on the coins.

Birdoswald Roman Fort: dating the post-Roman use of the site Carla 2010

Problem is that those kept staying in the long run. *waves to Odovacar who sent the last Roman emperor packing and took the job himself* :

Birdoswald Roman Fort: dating the post-Roman use of the site Carla 2010

D. the Germanic general Odacer or Odovacar overthrew the last of the Roman Emperors, Augustulus Romulus.

Think Progress » At least 112. 2006

Arriving in Italy (489) the Ostrogoths triumphed over Odovacar, but did not reduce Ravenna until 493.

d. The Ostrogoths in Italy 2001

After a three-year siege of Ravenna, Odovacar surrendered.

493, Feb. 27 2001

In general Theodoric continued Odovacar's policy, substituting Ostrogoths for Odovacar's Germans, and assigning one-third of the Roman estates (as Odovacar had probably done) to his own people.

d. The Ostrogoths in Italy 2001

The eastern emperor Zeno apparently recognized Odovacar as “patrician” (patricius had become the title of honor for barbarian commanders).

e. The Later Fifth Century 2001

To get rid of him, the emperor commissioned him (informally) to expel Odovacar from Italy.

d. The Ostrogoths in Italy 2001

Theodoric killed Odovacar with his own hands and had his troops massacred.

d. The Ostrogoths in Italy 2001