Constantine VIII was a Byzantine Emperor who ruled from 1025 to 1028. He was born in 960 and was the son of Emperor Romanos II and Empress Theophano. His reign followed that of his brother, Basil II, and was marked by relative peace and stability in the Byzantine Empire. Despite his royal lineage, Constantine VIII was not an active ruler and preferred a life of luxury. His reign was short, lasting only three years, and he died without a male heir. After his death, the throne passed to his daughter, Zoe, and her husband, Romanos III.