Kingdom of Iberia

An ancient Georgian kingdom centered on Kartli in the eastern Caucasus, existing from around the fourth century BCE until its abolition in 580 CE.

Kartli: A historic region of eastern Georgia, centered on the Kura River valley. Kartli was Iberia’s territorial and political core.
Pharnavaz I of Iberia: A traditional first king of Kartli, credited by medieval Georgian chronicles with founding the Pharnavazid dynasty. Georgian tradition places him at the beginning of Iberian kingship.
Mirian III of Iberia: A fourth-century king of Iberia traditionally credited with adopting Christianity for his kingdom. His conversion marks the kingdom’s decisive religious realignment.
Abolition of the Iberian monarchy: The Sasanian termination of Iberia’s kingship in 580 CE. This event ended the kingdom’s monarchy while leaving room for local rulers.
Armazi: An archaeological site near Mtskheta, associated with ancient Iberian political and religious life. Its inscriptions and remains illuminate Iberia’s elite culture and contacts.
Mtskheta: A historic city in Georgia near the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers. Mtskheta served as Iberia’s capital and royal center.
Pharnavazid dynasty: A dynasty traditionally associated with the early kings of Kartli. Dynastic rule provided a framework for Iberia’s early monarchy.
Saint Nino: A Christian missionary traditionally credited with converting the Georgian kingdom of Iberia. Georgian tradition identifies her preaching as central to Mirian’s conversion.
Principality of Iberia: A medieval Georgian principality that succeeded the Kingdom of Iberia after the monarchy’s abolition. It inherited Iberia’s political landscape under the title of presiding prince.
Armazi bilingual inscription: A second-century CE funerary inscription in Greek and Aramaic found near Mtskheta. It records Iberia’s multilingual setting and the prominence of local officials.

Linked from 4 pages