Constantine or Konstantinos (Κωνσταντῖνος) VIII Porphyrogennitos (Πορφυρογέννητος) was a Byzantine and Eastern Roman emperor of the 10th and 11th centuries. He was co-emperor under Nikephoros Phokas, John Tzimiskes, and his brother Basil II for them being preferable rulers. When Basil II had no issue, he was forced to become emperor and it was disastrous. Truly, Basil II should have had children. The only foolish mistake he made. His reign showed mismanagement and apathy towards politics. When he was involved, he was impulsive and cruel. His reign was the beginning of the fall of the Macedonian dynasty. If only Basil II had children. Honestly, he should have known his brother would be next in succession and must have known him to not be desirable. Honestly, I cannot emphasize how stupid of a choice it was for Basil.