Answer
Nikephoros II Phokas, a skilled general and successful emperor, met his demise at the hands of John I Tzimiskes, a formidable military leader and future emperor. Tzimiskes orchestrated a well-executed coup, capitalizing on the discontent among influential individuals and the general population. The ultimate success of this coup led to Tzimiskes assuming the imperial throne, ushering in a new chapter in the history of the Byzantine Empire.