Historical Events in 963 AD Jul 2 The imperial army proclaims Nicephorus Phocas to be Emperor of the Romans on the plains outside Cappadocian Caesarea Dec 6 Leo VIII elected Pope Famous People Who Died in 963 AD Mar 15 Romanus II, Byzantine emperor (959-63), dies at 25 Apr 3 William III, Duke of Aquitaine (b. 915) 962 AD History by Year 964 AD