Medieval Georgia: a brief historical overview

MEDIEVAL GEORGIA: A BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW Georgia and Georgian culture are important to the world for their unique contribution to cultural diversity, history and civilization. Georgia’s strategic location (located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia) has made it a crossroads of cultures, and its people have managed to maintain their identity. Georgia’s contribution to world heritage:

1. Ancient history and cultural heritage. Outside of Africa, ancient hominid remains have been found in Georgia (Dmanis), indicating an early human migration route. The fragments of the human skeleton found in Dmanis are the oldest in all of Eurasia, their age is 1,800,000 years. This is a Georgian man (lat. Homo georgicus) - a type of person, a transitional form between a right-handed person (Homo habilis) and an upright person (Homo erectus). At first, scientists thought that the bones they found belonged to Homo ergaster, but later they were convinced that they belonged to another species, and had to adopt a new term - Homo Georgicus. The country’s rich history is reflected in its traditions, ancient churches and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which provide invaluable information about human history and cultural development. Georgian civilization originates from the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia, which arose in the 1st millennium BC. Colchis is known to the Western world from the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts - the “Golden Fleece”. According to the same myth, Medea, the daughter of the legendary king of ancient Colchis Aietus, was considered a goddess in the ancient and pre-antique world, and temples were built in her honor. Medea had amazing healing skills and knowledge. The term medicine itself comes from her name. Iberia, located in the east, became an important political and cultural center BC. in the 4th century Georgian civilization embodies a rich picture of history, culture and sustainability. Its unique language, traditions and contributions to world heritage fascinate scholars and visitors alike. Georgian civilization, despite its deep roots in the ancient past, remains dynamic and developing. The Christianization of Georgia at the beginning of the 4th century was a decisive moment in its history, making it one of the first countries in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. This event had a great influence on the development of Georgian culture, including its literature, art and architecture. In the Middle Ages, the Georgian lands were united under the leadership of the Bagration dynasty; this state reached its zenith of development during the reign of Kings David IV „Aghmashenebeli“ (the Builder ) and Tamar, respectively, in the 11th and 12th centuries. This era, known as the “Golden Age”, was marked by significant achievements in architecture, literature and the consolidation of Georgian Orthodox Christianity.

2. Unique language and scripts. The Georgian language, which has a unique Georgian root, stands out in the world as one of the few languages that has its own written language. Georgian writing, consisting of three types (Asomtavruli, Nuskhuri and Mkhedruli), is a testament to the country’s rich literary tradition and intellectual history. This linguistic uniqueness increases the linguistic diversity of the world, highlighting the importance of preserving linguistic heritage. Georgian writing is more than a means of communication, it is proof of the resilience and creativity of the Georgian people. Its evolution from Asomtavruli to Mkhedruli reflects the history of the country, embodying its struggles, achievements and enduring cultural heritage.

3. Georgia – the cradle of viticulture Georgia is considered the oldest wine region in the world, the traditions of winemaking here are more than 8000 years old. The traditional Georgian method of making wine in „Qvevry“ is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of mankind. Georgian wine culture has influenced the world practice of viticulture and contributed to the variety of wines in the world.

4. Georgia - an ancient Christian state. Georgia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as a state religion at the beginning of the 4th century. Its ancient churches and monastic traditions have played an important role in the preservation and dissemination of Christian theology and art, contributing to the enrichment of the world’s Christian heritage. The Georgian Orthodox Church, with its unique liturgy and traditions, diversifies and enriches the world’s mosaic of Christian beliefs.

5. Culture and art Georgia is an ancient country, so Georgian culture also dates back to the era of the first civilizations. It reflects a mixture of eastern and western influences with a unique style that has evolved over the centuries. From the stunning frescoes and icons of ancient churches to the characteristic polyphonic chants recognized by UNESCO, Georgian culture enriches the world’s heritage. Combining elements of Byzantine, Persian and Arabic influences, the country’s architectural marvel offers a unique synthesis of cultures.

6. Geopolitical significance Georgia’s geopolitical position has made it a strategic bridge between Europe and Asia, facilitating the development of important historical trade routes such as the Silk Road. This also means that Georgia has historically played an important role in regional politics, influencing cultural and political dynamics between Europe and Asia.

7. History of statehood The history of Georgian statehood is characterized by a continuous struggle to preserve sovereignty and culture. Despite invasion and domination by many enemies, Georgia has managed to maintain its unique identity throughout its history, which is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Georgian people. The state political entities of Diaoch and Colhi were created at the end of the 2nd millennium BC. In the 6th century, the Egris or Colchis kingdom was formed. It almost completely covered what is now western Georgia. BC. In the 4th century, the Iberian kingdom was founded in Eastern Georgia. From this moment on, the history of Georgian statehood goes back 3000 years.

8. Bagration Dynasty The Bagration dynasty is one of the oldest ruling dynasties in the world. They ruled the Georgian state from the 6th to the 19th centuries - until the annexation of Georgia by Russia. The influence of the Bagration dynasty on Georgia is indelible, a symbol of unification, cultural progress and resilience in the face of external threats. Despite the loss of sovereignty, the legacy of the dynasty remains in the cultural and national consciousness of Georgia, embodying the spirit of Georgian independence, faith and cultural achievements. Georgia and Georgian culture are important to the world because they represent the resilience, diversity and richness of human culture and history. The country’s unique contribution to world culture, art and architecture, language, and religion not only enriches our global heritage, but also reminds us of the importance of preserving and developing cultural diversity. Thanks to its rich heritage and contribution to world culture, Georgia continues to actively participate in the development of world civilization.