History of Georgia (country)

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Diauehi

Georgian States Colchis and Iberia (600-150BC)-en

State Museum of History of Georgia (Tbilisi Archaeological Museum) 3

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Lazica in Late Antiquity

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Svetitskhoveli fresco. King Mirian

History of Georgia (country)

The History of Georgia refers to the rich and complex history of the Georgia, a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. This article provides an overview of Georgia's historical development from ancient times to the modern era, highlighting key events, figures, and periods that have shaped the nation's identity and culture.

Ancient and Classical Periods

The territory of modern-day Georgia has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. The ancient kingdom of Colchis and later Caucasian Iberia were among the earliest civilizations to emerge in the region, with Colchis being famously associated with the Greek myth of the Golden Fleece. By the 4th century BC, these kingdoms were well-established and engaged in trade and cultural exchanges with the Greeks and Persians.

Medieval Georgia

The early medieval period saw the unification of various Georgian kingdoms and principalities under the Bagrationi dynasty in the 9th century, leading to the Golden Age of Georgia in the 11th to 13th centuries. During this time, the Kingdom of Georgia became a dominant regional power, known for its military prowess, cultural achievements, and the construction of iconic churches and monasteries. However, the Mongol invasions of the 13th century began a period of decline.

Persian and Ottoman Rule

From the 16th to the 18th centuries, Georgia was a battleground between the expanding Ottoman Empire and Safavid (later Qajar) Persian empires. This era was marked by frequent warfare, political instability, and economic decline. Despite this, Georgia maintained a degree of autonomy, particularly in the eastern regions.

Annexation by Russia

In the early 19th century, Georgia was annexed by the Russian Empire following a series of treaties and wars with Persia and the Ottomans. Russian rule brought about significant changes, including social and economic modernization, but also harsh repression and attempts at Russification. The national liberation movement gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, culminating in the declaration of independence in 1918.

Democratic Republic of Georgia

The Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918-1921) was a short-lived independent state that emerged after the Russian Revolution. Despite progressive social and political reforms, it was invaded by the Red Army in 1921 and forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union.

Soviet Period

Under Soviet rule, Georgia experienced industrialization, urbanization, and significant social changes. However, it also faced political repression, particularly under Joseph Stalin, a native Georgian. The late Soviet period saw a resurgence of Georgian nationalism and calls for independence, which were brutally suppressed by Soviet authorities.

Independence and Recent History

Georgia declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The early years of independence were marked by political instability, economic crisis, and conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, regions that remain contested to this day. Despite these challenges, Georgia has undertaken significant political, economic, and social reforms, aiming to integrate more closely with the West, including aspirations to join NATO and the European Union.

Culture and Heritage

Throughout its history, Georgia has developed a unique culture that reflects its geographic position and the diverse influences that have shaped it. Georgian culture is renowned for its rich literary tradition, distinctive architecture, and the ancient tradition of winemaking, considered one of the oldest in the world.