Though Ricimer had expected to control his friend, Majorian proved to be a capable ruler and soon distanced himself from his "magister militum". Majorian demonstrated his military skill through his re-conquest of Gaul and his campaigns in Hispania. Majorian's campaigns effectively subdued the Visigoths and returned them to their pre-Avitus "foederati" status, greatly increasing his standing among the senate and army. Majorian then prepared for a campaign against the Vandals of Genseric. With Majorian in Hispania, Ricimer was left in Italy.