435–447 AD: The King Who Prepared the Throne for Legend

King Mihrdat V had the distinct honor—and burden—of being the father of Georgia’s greatest hero, Vakhtang Gorgasali. But Mihrdat was a significant ruler in his own right. His 12-year reign was a desperate diplomatic struggle to keep the kingdom intact as the Sassanid noose tightened around the Caucasus.

By 435 AD, Persia was dominant. Rome was weak. Mihrdat V faced a choice: fight a suicidal war or play for time. He chose to play for time, knowing that his son, the young prince Vakhtang, was growing stronger every day.

The Persian Tribute

The Georgian chronicles are honest about Mihrdat’s situation. He was forced to pay heavy tribute to the Persian Shah. He had to allow the Fire Worshippers back into certain parts of the kingdom. It was a humiliating period, but Mihrdat used it strategically. By appeasing the Shah with gold, he bought peace for his people.

He used this peace to quietly strengthen the Christian church, marrying the pious Queen Sagdukht (a Persian Christian), who played a vital role in educating their son Vakhtang in the Christian faith.

A Father’s Legacy

Mihrdat died when Vakhtang was just a boy of 7. He left a kingdom that was technically a vassal of Persia but spiritually independent and ready to explode. His greatest achievement was not a building or a battle, but the education and protection of the heir who would eventually break the Persian chains. Mihrdat V is the quiet root from which the mighty oak of Gorgasali grew.