The royal period in Georgia, comprising the kingdoms of Kartli, Kakheti, and Imereti, spanned approximately three centuries from the late 15th to the early 19th centuries. During this period, the Bagrationi dynasty ruled over these realms, fostering cultural, economic, and political developments that left a lasting legacy on the nation’s history and identity. The royal court served as the center of power and influence, patronizing the arts and sciences, while the Georgian Orthodox Church played a significant role in shaping religious and social life.
The Royal Period in Georgia
Georgia’s royal period is a significant chapter in its history, spanning centuries of cultural, political, and economic transformation.
Early Kingdoms (c. 300 BCE – 330 CE)
- Kingdom of Kartli (Iberia): Founded around 300 BCE, it was the first unified Georgian kingdom.
- Kingdom of Kakheti: Established in the 1st century BCE, it became a prominent power in eastern Georgia.
- Kingdom of Egrisi (Lazica): Located along the Black Sea coast, it was an important trade and cultural center.
Medieval Kingdoms (c. 330 – 1243)
- Kingdom of Iberia: A vassal state of the Sassanid Empire, it was ruled by the Bagratuni dynasty.
- Kingdom of Georgia (888 – 1008): Founded by King Bagrat III, it united several Georgian principalities.
- Kingdom of Georgia-Abkhazia (1008 – 1125): Formed through the union of the Kingdom of Georgia and the Abkhazian kingdom.
- Kingdom of Georgia (1125 – 1243): Under the rule of the Bagrationi dynasty, it reached its territorial peak and cultural golden age.
Mongol Invasion and Rule (1243 – 1330)
- The Mongol invasion in 1243 led to the collapse of the Georgian Kingdom.
- Georgia became a vassal state of the Mongol Empire, paying tribute and providing military support.
Restoration of Georgian Monarchy (1330 – 1555)
- King George V (1314 – 1346) reasserted Georgian autonomy and defeated the Mongols.
- The Kingdom of Georgia regained its independence and experienced a period of economic and cultural growth.
Safavid and Ottoman Conquests (1555 – 1762)
- The Safavids and Ottomans conquered parts of Georgia, dividing the kingdom.
- The Georgian royal court continued to exist, albeit under foreign influence.
Kakhetian and Kartlian Kingdoms (1762 – 1801)
- Eastern Georgia was divided into the Kingdoms of Kakheti and Kartli.
- King Erekle II of Kakheti unified the kingdoms and sought Russian protection against the Persians.
Russian Annexation (1801)
- In 1801, the Kingdom of Georgia was annexed by the Russian Empire.
- The Georgian monarchy was abolished, and the country became a province of Russia.
Table of Georgia’s Royal Periods
| Period | Years | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|
| Early Kingdoms | c. 300 BCE – 330 CE | Founding of Kingdom of Kartli |
| Medieval Kingdoms | c. 330 – 1243 | Formation of Kingdom of Georgia; Golden Age under Bagrationi dynasty |
| Mongol Invasion and Rule | 1243 – 1330 | Georgian Kingdom collapses; becomes Mongol vassal state |
| Restoration of Georgian Monarchy | 1330 – 1555 | Georgia regains independence; cultural and economic growth |
| Safavid and Ottoman Conquests | 1555 – 1762 | Georgian Kingdom divided and conquered by foreign powers |
| Kakhetian and Kartlian Kingdoms | 1762 – 1801 | Eastern Georgia unified under Erekle II; Russian protection sought |
| Russian Annexation | 1801 | Kingdom of Georgia annexed; monarchy abolished |
Question 1:
When did the royal period in Georgia begin?
Answer:
The royal period in Georgia began in the 3rd century BC.
Question 2:
What was the name of the first Georgian king?
Answer:
The first Georgian king was Pharnavaz I.
Question 3:
How long did the royal period in Georgia last?
Answer:
The royal period in Georgia lasted for approximately 1,500 years, until the Russian annexation of Georgia in 1801.
So, there you have it, folks! Georgia’s royal period was quite a rollercoaster ride, huh? From Bagrat III’s rise to the last of the Bagrationi kings, it was a time of power struggles, invasions, and some seriously epic battles. Thanks for joining me on this historical journey. Take care, and be sure to pop back in sometime for more Georgian history and fun facts. Farewell, my royal readers!