George I of Georgia
George I (Georgian: გიორგი I, romanized: giorgi I) (998 or 1002 – 16 August 1027), of the Bagrationi dynasty, was the 2nd king (mepe) of Georgia from 1014 until his death in 1027.
- There was also a Giorgi I, Catholicos of Kartli who ruled in 677–678.
| George I გიორგი I | |
|---|---|
A symbolic representation of George I ("Georgios of Abasgia") fleeing on horseback from Emperor Basil II after defeat, Skylitzes Chronicle | |
| King of Georgia | |
| Reign | 7 May 1014 – 16 August 1027 |
| Predecessor | Bagrat III |
| Successor | Bagrat IV |
| Born | 998 or 1002 |
| Died | 16 August 1027 Mqinwarni or Itaroni |
| Burial | |
| Spouse | Mariam of Vaspurakan Alda of Alania |
| Issue Among others | Bagrat IV of Georgia Demetrius of Anacopia |
| Dynasty | Bagrationi |
| Father | Bagrat III of Georgia |
| Mother | Martha |
| Religion | Georgian Orthodox Church |
George I ascended the throne when he was still too young to equal his father Bagrat III, must first suffer a first defeat against the nobles who imposed on him the return to the independence of Kingdom of Kakheti-Hereti. But soon he managed to regain his strength and extended his power in the region, with numerous vassals in Caucasus and sphere of influence in Armenia. However, the Byzantine Empire, with which his father had already experienced the first tensions, proved strong enough to fight in a conflict started by George under the reign of Basil II, a conflict which devastated the entire south of the country to annex the former “Kingdom of the Iberians”, the Tao. Fortunately for his heritage, George, thanks to astute diplomacy (alliance with the Fatimids, etc.) preserved the independence of his country which hardly became vassalized and paid no tribute under his reign.