Nikephoros II Phokas, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Nikephoros II Phokas

Byzantine emperor

Date of Birth: 01-Jan-0001

Place of Birth: Cappadocia, Central Anatolia Region, Turkey

Date of Death: 01-Jan-0001

Profession: soldier

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Nikephoros II Phokas (Latinized: Nicephorus II Phocas; ????f???? ?? F????, Nikephóros II Phokãs; c.?912 – 11 December 969) was Byzantine Emperor from 963 to 969.
His brilliant military exploits contributed to the resurgence of the Byzantine Empire during the 10th century.
His reign, however, included controversy.
In the west, he inflamed conflict with the Bulgarians and saw Sicily completely turn over to the Muslims, while he failed to make any serious gains in Italy following the incursions of Otto I.
Meanwhile, in the east, he completed the conquest of Cilicia and even retook the island of Cyprus, thus opening the path for subsequent Byzantine incursions reaching as far as the Jazira and the Levant.
His administrative policy was less successful, as in order to finance these wars he increased taxes both on the people and on the church, while maintaining unpopular theological positions and alienating many of his most powerful allies.
These included his nephew John Tzimiskes, who would take the throne after killing Nikephoros in his sleep.