In 1154, Roger II died and the kingdom of Sicily passed to his fourth son, William I. William dispossessed his half-brother Simon immediately, claiming that Taranto was too important a fief to go to an illegitimate son. Simon held a grudge against the king and was called upon by Matthew Bonnellus to lead the revolt in the capital city of Palermo in 1161.
In 1154, Roger II passed away, and his fourth son William I became ruler of Sicily. William immediately dispossessed Simon, his half-brother, stating that Taranto was too significant an inheritance for an illegitimate child. Simon retaliated against the king and was subsequently asked by Matthew Bonnellus to lead a rebellion in Palermo.