Romanos and Zoe were at first both anxious to produce a child. Romanos dreamed of founding a dynasty, not realising that Zoe, being over fifty, was past childbearing age. He was zealous in their sexual life, submitted himself to ointments and massage, and insisted that she do the same, hanging amulets from her body and undergoing spells to induce pregnancy. But when the hoped-for child did not appear, Romanos despaired and paid her less attention, becoming estranged from her. Her desire for a child with Romanos was gradually transferred to Michael (IV).