1008–1014 AD: The Birth of Sakartvelo

Every nation has a founding father. For the United Kingdom of Georgia, that father is Bagrat III. Before him, there was “Kartli,” “Egrisi,” “Abkhazia,” and “Tao.” After him, there was Sakartvelo.

Bagrat III was born into destiny. Through his father Gurgen, he was a Bagrationi (heir to Tao-Klarjeti). Through his mother Gurandukht, he was the heir to the Kingdom of Abkhazia. Adopted by the powerful David III Kuropalates, he was groomed from childhood to rule everything. In 1008 AD, upon the death of his father, he united the crowns, becoming the “King of the Abkhazians, Kartvelians, Rans, and Kakhs.”

The Iron Fist of Unity

Unification was not peaceful. The Georgian nobility (didgvari) were used to weak kings and independent fiefdoms. They hated Bagrat III because he demanded total obedience. He spent his reign crushing rebellious dukes, burning their castles, and forcing them to bend the knee.

He was a relentless traveler, constantly moving his court from Kutaisi to Tao to keep his vast new realm under control. He famously imprisoned his own defiant cousins to prevent dynastic fragmentation. He was not loved by the nobles, but he was respected as the architect of the state.

The Builder of Cathedrals

Bagrat III understood that a great kingdom needed great symbols. He launched a massive architectural program to rival Byzantium.

  • Bagrati Cathedral (Kutaisi): Completed in 1003 AD, this cathedral was the symbol of the unified kingdom. Its floor mosaic famously reads: “Christ, have mercy on Bagrat, King of the Abkhazians and Kartvelians.” Even today, its turquoise dome dominates the skyline of Kutaisi.
  • Nikortsminda Cathedral (Racha): Built during his reign, this cathedral is a masterpiece of stone carving. Its intricate facades are some of the finest in medieval art.

Tourism Guide: The King’s Footsteps

  1. Kutaisi: This was Bagrat’s capital. Visit the Bagrati Cathedral (UNESCO site). Stand in the center and look up; you are standing in the building that announced the birth of United Georgia.
  2. Bedia Monastery (Abkhazia/Western Georgia): Bagrat III is buried here. He built this cathedral to be his final resting place, signifying the importance of the western lands to his crown.
  3. Nikortsminda: Drive up to the Racha region to see this jewel of architecture. The interior frescoes and exterior carvings are breathtaking.