Romanos III Argyros

Romanos III. Argyros (Greek Ρωμανὸς Γ ' ὁ Ἀργυρός, * 968, † April 11, 1034 ) was Byzantine emperor from 1028 to 1034 and first husband of Empress Zoe. He was an average of Byzantine nobleman, and ascended the throne after the dying Emperor Constantine VIII had forced him to marry his daughter Zoe.

The marriage took place on November 12, 1028, three days later came Romanos III. the regency. He showed great ambition to operate as regent independent policy, but was in his undertakings mostly unlucky. He spent large sums in the construction of buildings and support of monasteries. His attempt to cut taxes, resulting in a deficit budget.

In 1030 he decided to repay the invasions of the Arabs on the eastern border of the empire and personally led a large army to Aleppo. On the march he was surprised by the enemy and suffered a heavy defeat at Azaz near Antioch. Although the disaster by George Maniakes and his successful defense of Edessa as well as a victory over the Arab fleet in the Adriatic, was alleviated, Romanos not regained its popularity. He is said to have been poisoned by his wife.