Romanus II (939 - 963) succeeded his father Constantine VII as Byzantine emperor in 959 at the age of twenty-one, and died, poisoned, it was believed, by his wife, Theophanu in 963. Their daughter, also Theophanu married Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor.
He was a pleasure-loving sovereign, but showed judgment in the selection of his ministers. The great event of his reign was the conquest of Crete by Nicephorus Phocas in 961.
This article incorporates text from the public domain 1911 Encyclopdia Britannica.
Death of RomanosIIRomanosII or Romanus II (Greek: Ρωμανός Β΄, Rōmanos II), (938 – 963) succeeded his father Constantine VII as Byzantine emperor in 959 at the age of twenty-one, and died, poisoned, it was believed, by his wife Theophano, in 963.
RomanosII was a son of Emperor Constantine VII and Helena Lekapene, the daughter of Emperor Romanos I.
RomanosII's reliance on his wife and on bureaucrats like Joseph Bringas had resulted in a relatively capable administration, but built up resentment among the nobility, which was associated with the military.
Basil II the Bulgar-Slayer (Greek: Βασίλειος Β΄ Βουλγαροκτόνος, Basileios II Boulgaroktonos) (AD 958 – December 15, 1025) was Byzantine emperor from January 10, AD 976 to December 15, 1025 who led the Byzantine Empire to its greatest heights in nearly five centuries.
Basil was the son of Emperor RomanosII by Theophano.
The Byzantine civil wars had weakened the empire's position in the east and the gains of Nikephoros II Phokas and John I Tzimiskes came close to being lost, with Aleppo besieged and Antioch threatened by the enemy.
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