Romanos II

Romanos II (938–963) became Byzantine emperor in 959, succeeding his father Constantine VII. He married Theophano in 956 after his first bride Bertha of Italy died young, and after his accession sent his mother from court and forced his sisters into convents.

He left government to eunuch Joseph Bringas and warfare to the Phokas brothers: Nikephoros reconquered Crete in 960–961 after the nine-month siege of Chandax, then seized Cilicia and sacked Aleppo in 962.

His reliance on his wife and officials angered the military nobility. He died suddenly after a hunt in March 963, leaving young sons Basil II and Constantine VIII.