249–265 AD: Facing Shapur I and the Sassanid Domination

King Mihrdat II ruled during the darkest hour of the 3rd Century. The Sassanid King of Kings, Shapur I, was unstoppable. He had defeated three Roman Emperors. Now, his gaze fell fully on the Caucasus.

Mihrdat II’s reign is confirmed not just by Georgian chronicles but by one of the most famous inscriptions in the world: the Ka’ba-ye Zartosht in Iran. In this trilingual inscription, Shapur lists the lands that pay him tribute. Among them is “Wiruzan” (Iberia/Georgia). This stone carving is the smoking gun of Iberian subjugation.

The Dual Kingship

Mihrdat II faced internal subversion. While he tried to maintain a pro-Roman stance (or at least neutrality), the Sassanids supported a rival anti-king, Amazasp III, who ruled over a breakaway faction in the kingdom. This period was likely a time of “Dual Power,” where Mihrdat held Mtskheta but had to contend with strong Persian influence undermining his authority from within.

Despite this, Mihrdat II is remembered as a builder and a survivor. He managed to keep the core of the state intact, preventing total annexation into the Sassanid empire as a mere province. He kept the royal title alive, paving the way for his son, Aspacures, to eventually navigate the coming Christian revolution.

Tourism Guide: The Persian Stone

To connect with this era, one must look at the global context:

  1. The Ka’ba-ye Zartosht (Iran): While far from Georgia, the mention of Mihrdat’s kingdom on this monument in Naqsh-e Rustam proves that 3rd-century Iberia was a player on the world stage, recognized by superpowers even in defeat.
  2. Armaztsikhe Ruins: The layer of destruction found by archaeologists in some parts of the city dates to the mid-3rd century, possibly reflecting the violent pressure Mihrdat II faced from the Sassanid armies or their internal proxies.