Kingdom of Lazica: Map & History

History

From the 1st century AD onward, the Mingrelian-Laz people, who came to be referred to as "Laz" or "Manraloi (Mingrelian)" rather than Colchians, launched a struggle for independence, first against the rule of Polemon and later against the Roman Empire. Between 69 and 79, a Laz admiral named Anicetus led his people in revolt against the Romans. Unwilling to relinquish control of Lazica, a strategically important region, the Romans were eventually forced to withdraw in the face of the Laz struggle for independence. Lucian of Samosata, in his work Toxaris, written in AD 163, mentions a Laz prince named "Tigrapat". Although this may suggest that a semi-independent Laz state existed at the time, there is no evidence confirming the historical existence of this prince.

Economy

Maritime trade played a significant role in the country's economy, with the port of Phasis serving as its main center. Trade was conducted mainly with Pontus and the Bosporan Kingdom in Crimea, which were under Roman control at the time. Leather, fur, and other raw materials, as well as slaves, were exported from Lazica in large quantities. In return, the Laz imported salt, bread, wine, luxury textiles, and weapons. The destruction of free trade and the introduction of a Roman trade monopoly in Lazica are considered among the causes of the Lazic War.

The primary currency used in Lazica for trade was the Roman Antoninianus until the 4th century. Afterwards it was replaced by the Byzantine Solidus.

Ecclesiastical history

In the early 4th century, the Christian eparchy (eastern bishopric) of Pityus was established in this kingdom, and, as in neighboring Iberia, Christianity was declared the official religion in AD 319. Other ancient episcopal sees in Lazica included Rhodopolis, Saesina, and Zygana. Bishop Stratophilus of Pityus was among the participants of the First Council of Nicaea in 325. The first Christian king of Lazica was Gubazes I; in the 5th century, Christianity became the official religion of Lazica. Later, the nobility and clergy of Lazica shifted from the Hellenic ecclesiastical tradition to the Georgian tradition, and Georgian became the language of culture and education.