116–132 AD: The Famous Feud with Emperor Hadrian and the Statue in Rome

Most client kings bowed to Rome. Pharasmanes II (Parsman II), known as “The Valiant” (Kveli), did not. His reign is legendary not for the wars he won, but for the diplomatic insults he traded with the most powerful man on earth, Emperor Hadrian.

Pharasmanes inherited a strong kingdom from his father Amazasp I, but he refused to be a pawn. He expanded Iberia’s borders to the Black Sea coast (Colchis) and openly challenged Roman authority in the region, leading to one of the most petty and fascinating feuds in ancient history.

The War of Gifts and Cloaks

Relations between Mtskheta and Rome turned sour when Emperor Hadrian invited Pharasmanes to a meeting. The Georgian king refused to show up—a massive breach of protocol. Instead, he opened the “Gates of the North” (Darial Gorge) and encouraged the Alans to raid Roman provinces.

To smooth things over (or perhaps mock the Emperor), Pharasmanes sent Hadrian 300 majestic cloaks embroidered with gold. Hadrian, known for his wit and pettiness, took the cloaks and dressed 300 criminals and gladiators in them, parading them in the Colosseum to mock the Georgian king’s gift. It was a diplomatic slap in the face that echoed across the empire.

The Reconciliation

However, Pharasmanes outlasted Hadrian. When the more diplomatic Antoninus Pius became Emperor, Pharasmanes finally agreed to visit Rome. This time, he was treated not as a vassal, but as a hero. He arrived with his wife and son, and according to Cassius Dio, he was allowed to sacrifice at the Capitol (a rare honor).

The Romans were so impressed by his horsemanship and demeanor that they erected an equestrian statue of Pharasmanes II in the Temple of Bellona (or the Forum). A foreign king, immortalized in the heart of Rome—it was the ultimate victory for the Valiant king.

Tourism Guide: The King’s Domain

To walk in the footsteps of the Valiant King:

  1. Armaztsikhe: The silver bowls found here often date to this period, depicting the wealth that allowed Pharasmanes to send gold-embroidered cloaks to Rome.
  2. Dzalisa: The Roman-style city near Mtskheta likely saw its greatest expansion during this era, as despite the feuds, Roman culture deeply permeated the Iberian aristocracy.