Constantine VIII
Constantine tried to intervene, but he fell ill and died on 11 January of the following year. He was persuaded by his councillors, chiefly the "logothetes tou dromou" John, to ignore the rights of the elderly Theodora, daughter of Constantine VIII, and to pass the throne to the "doux" of Bulgaria, Nikephoros Proteuon. However, Theodora was recalled from her retirement and named empress.