# Constantine VIII

By [Untitled](https://paragraph.com/@0xee68b606a00d2cf44d6419260fd21fd089b3e9d1) · 2022-12-15

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**Constantine VIII** [**Porphyrogenitus**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porphyrogenitus) ([Greek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language): Κωνσταντῖνος Πορφυρογέννητος, _Kōnstantinos Porphyrogénnetos_; 960 – 11/12 November 1028) was [_de jure_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_jure) [Byzantine emperor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_emperor) from 962 until his death. He was the younger son of Emperor [Romanos II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanos_II) and Empress [Theophano](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theophano_\(born_Anastaso\)). He was nominal co-emperor for 63 years (longer than any other), successively with his father; stepfather, [Nikephoros II Phokas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikephoros_II_Phokas); uncle, [John I Tzimiskes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_I_Tzimiskes); and brother, [Basil II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil_II). Basil's death in 1025 left Constantine as the sole emperor.

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*Originally published on [Untitled](https://paragraph.com/@0xee68b606a00d2cf44d6419260fd21fd089b3e9d1/constantine-viii)*