135–185 AD: The Pax Iberica and the Height of Prosperity

King Pharasmanes III enjoyed one of the longest reigns in Georgian history—half a century of rule. While his grandfather (Pharasmanes II) was known for conflict, Pharasmanes III is known for stability. He reigned during the “Five Good Emperors” period of Rome, a time when the world was relatively peaceful and trade flowed freely.

The Peaceful Ally

Under Pharasmanes III, Iberia fully embraced its role as a strategic partner of Rome. The confrontational politics of the past were replaced by economic cooperation. The Silk Road trade routes passing through Mtskheta thrived, enriching the royal treasury.

This period saw the further “Romanization” of the Iberian elite. Roman baths, jewelry, and luxury goods became commonplace in the Aragvi valley. While there are few records of major wars during his time, this silence in the chronicles is a testament to his success—happy nations have no history.

Tourism Guide: The Wealth of the Necropolis

The prosperity of Pharasmanes III’s reign is best seen in the graves of his subjects:

  1. Samtavro Burial Ground (Mtskheta): This vast archaeological site contains thousands of graves. Those dating to the 2nd Century AD (Pharasmanes III’s time) are incredibly rich, filled with gold diadems, Roman coins, and semi-precious stones. It shows that wealth was not just for the King, but trickled down to the nobility and merchant classes.