90–78 BC: The Founder of the Artaxiad Dynasty in Iberia and the Architect of Peace

History often focuses on conquerors and rebels, but sometimes the most important rulers are the stabilizers. King Artaxias I (Arshak I) was one such figure in the ancient history of Georgia (Iberia). His reign marked a drastic shift in the nation’s trajectory, moving away from religious civil war toward a period of pragmatic governance and regional cooperation. He was not a native Georgian by birth, yet his reign proved that effective leadership transcends bloodlines.

To understand Artaxias, we must look at the chaos he inherited. The previous king, Parnajom, had been violently overthrown by his own nobility for trying to impose the Persian religion (Zoroastrianism) and the idol of Zaden upon the Georgian people. The country was fractured, bleeding, and leaderless. The Georgian nobles (Eristavis) made a bold, geopolitical move: they invited a foreign prince to take the throne.

The Prince from the South

Artaxias was the son of Artavasdes I, the King of Armenia. At this time, the Kingdom of Armenia was a rising superpower in the region, soon to reach its zenith under Tigranes the Great. By inviting Artaxias to the throne, the Georgian nobles secured a powerful ally against potential Persian retaliation. But for Artaxias, the challenge was immense: how does a foreign prince rule a fiercely independent people who just killed their last king for being “too foreign”?

The Great Compromise: Becoming Georgian

Artaxias I was a master of diplomacy. He understood that legitimacy in Iberia came from two sources: the Pharnavazid bloodline and the Georgian culture. He immediately addressed both.

  • Dynastic Legitimacy: He married a Pharnavazid princess—a descendant of the sister of the slain King Parnajom. This marriage was crucial; it meant that his children would carry the ancient royal blood of Georgia’s founders, satisfying the traditionalists.
  • Cultural Respect: Unlike his predecessor, Artaxias did not try to import foreign gods. He publicly honored Armazi, the supreme god of the Georgians. He spoke Georgian at court and upheld the administrative system of saeristavos (duchies) established by Pharnavaz I. He signaled to the people that although his father was Armenian, he was the King of Iberia.

The Builder of Walls

Peace is fragile, and Artaxias knew that the exiled Pharnavazid prince, Mirvan, was growing up in the Persian court, waiting to reclaim the throne. To prepare for the inevitable future conflict, Artaxias launched a massive infrastructure project. He reinforced the walls of Armaztsikhe (the acropolis of Mtskheta) and strengthened the defenses of other key cities like Tsunda.

His reign was a “quiet” golden age—a decade where trade flourished between the neighboring kingdoms of Iberia and Armenia, and the Silk Road routes through the Caucasus remained open and secure.

Tourism Guide: The Walls of Artaxias

If you travel to Mtskheta today, you can witness the physical legacy of this era:

  1. Armaztsikhe (Bagineti): This archaeological site is a must-see. Located on the right bank of the Mtkvari River, facing Mtskheta, these are the ruins of the royal residence. Archaeologists have identified different layers of construction here. The massive ashlar stone blocks and fortification improvements date back to the Hellenistic period, covering the reign of Artaxias. Walking among these ruins, you can touch the walls built to keep the Persians at bay.
  2. The Museum of Mtskheta: Here, you can find coins and artifacts from the 1st Century BC. Look for the distinct blend of Hellenistic and local Georgian styles in pottery and jewelry, reflecting the multicultural stability Artaxias maintained.

Artaxias I died in 78 BC, leaving a stable kingdom to his son, Artag. He is remembered not as a foreign occupier, but as a wise king who healed a broken nation.