Principality of Iberia: Map & History
The Principality of Iberia was an early medieval aristocratic regime in a core Georgian region of Kartli, called Iberia by classical authors.
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The Principality of Iberia was an early medieval aristocratic regime in a core Georgian region of Kartli, called Iberia by classical authors. It flourished in the period of interregnum between the sixth and ninth centuries, when the leading political authority was exercised by a succession of princes. The principality was established shortly after the Sassanid suppression of the local royal Chosroid dynasty, around 580; it lasted until 888, when the kingship was restored by a member of the Bagrationi dynasty. Its borders fluctuated greatly as the presiding princes of Iberia confronted the Persians, Byzantines, Khazars, Arabs, and neighboring Caucasian rulers throughout this period.
Modern Countries Once Part of Principality of Iberia
At its mapped extent, Principality of Iberia covered territory in 1 present-day country. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Principality of Iberia's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Principality of Iberia in Depth
History
When the king of a great unified Iberia, Bakur III, died in 580, the Sassanid government of Persia under Hormizd IV (578–590) seized on the opportunity to abolish the Iberian monarchy. Iberia became a Persian province ruled by a marzpan (governor). The Iberian nobles acquiesced to this change without resistance, while the heirs of the royal house withdrew to their highland fortresses – the main Chosroid line in Kakheti, and the younger Guaramid branch in Klarjeti and Javakheti. However, the direct Persian control brought about heavy taxation and an energetic promotion of Zoroastrianism in a largely Christian country. Therefore, when the Eastern Roman emperor Maurice embarked upon a military campaign against Persia in 582, the Iberian nobles requested that he helped restore the monarchy.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Principality of Iberia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Principality of Iberia: Key Facts
| Capitals | Tbilisi, Uplistsikhe, Ardanuç Castle |
|---|---|
| Form of government | feudal monarchy |
| Founded | 588 CE |
| Dissolved | 888 CE |
Preceded by
- Sasanian Iberia
Succeeded by
Facts from Wikidata Q199389 (CC0).
Principality of Iberia Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 34,712 km² in 736 CE.
Principality of Iberia: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Principality of Iberia exist?
Principality of Iberia is dated to 682 CE – 740 CE, in the Early Middle Ages era.
What was the capital of Principality of Iberia?
The capital of Principality of Iberia was Tbilisi.
How large was Principality of Iberia at its peak?
At its peak in 736 AD Principality of Iberia covered about 34,712 km².
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