# David IV of Georgia

> King of Georgia (1073-1125)

**Wikidata**: [Q36760](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q36760)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_IV)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-iv-of-georgia

## Summary
David IV of Georgia, also known as David the Builder or David Agmashenebeli, was a medieval King of Georgia who reigned from 1073 to 1125. He is historically recognized as a pivotal monarch who restored the Georgian kingdom and is celebrated as a poet and politician. His legacy endures through modern Georgian institutions, including political parties, awards, and avenues named in his honor.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1073
- **Nationality**: Georgian (Kingdom of Georgia)
- **Education**: Associated with the Academy of Ikalto, an ecclesiastical academy in medieval Georgia.
- **Known for**: Restoring the Georgian monarchy and serving as a poet and politician.
- **Employer(s)**: Kingdom of Georgia (Monarch)
- **Field(s)**: Monarchy, Politics, Poetry

## Contributions
David IV of Georgia's primary contribution was the restoration and consolidation of the Kingdom of Georgia, emerging as a medieval monarchy in circa 1008 AD, with his reign marking a significant era of stability and cultural development. As a poet, he contributed to the literary heritage of the region, though specific titles of his works are not detailed in the provided source material. His leadership established a foundation for the state that persisted through centuries, influencing the formation of the modern Republic of Georgia.

## FAQs
**Who was David IV of Georgia?**
David IV, also known as David the Builder, was a King of Georgia who ruled from 1073 to 1125. He is remembered for his roles as a monarch, politician, and poet who helped shape the medieval Kingdom of Georgia.

**What is the historical significance of his reign?**
His reign is part of the era where the Kingdom of Georgia emerged as a medieval monarchy around 1008 AD. He is credited with restoring the state, earning him the epithet "the Builder" or "the Restorer."

**How is David IV honored in modern Georgia?**
Modern Georgia honors him through various entities, including the Order of David Agmashenebeli, the David Agmashenebeli Prize, and the Strategy Aghmashenebeli political party. Additionally, Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue in Tbilisi is named after him.

**Where did David IV receive his education?**
He is associated with the Academy of Ikalto, which was an ecclesiastical academy located in medieval Georgia.

## Why They Matter
David IV of Georgia matters because he transformed a fragmented region into a cohesive medieval monarchy, setting the stage for Georgia's golden age. His dual identity as a ruler and a poet highlights a unique cultural synthesis that influenced the nation's political and literary trajectory. Without his restoration efforts, the continuity of the Georgian state and its subsequent cultural institutions, such as the Academy of Ikalto, might have been severed. His legacy is so profound that it continues to shape modern Georgian identity, evidenced by the existence of a major political party, state awards, and infrastructure named in his honor.

## Notable For
- **Aliases**: Known variously as David the Builder, David Agmashenebeli, David II/IV the Restorer, David Aghmashenebeli, and Davit Aghmashenebeli.
- **Monarch**: Ruled as King of Georgia from 1073 to 1125.
- **Poet**: Recognized as a writer of poetry within the medieval Georgian tradition.
- **Political Legacy**: The "Strategy Aghmashenebeli" political party was founded in 2016 in his honor.
- **Awards**: The "Order of David Agmashenebeli" (established 1992) and the "David Agmashenebeli Prize" are named after him.
- **Infrastructure**: "Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue" in Tbilisi bears his name.
- **Education**: Linked to the Academy of Ikalto, a key ecclesiastical institution of the time.

## Body

### Identity and Titles
David IV of Georgia is a historical figure identified as a human, politician, and poet. He held the title of King of Georgia during the period spanning 1073 to 1125. His name appears in historical records under several aliases, including David the Builder, David Agmashenebeli, David II/IV the Restorer, David Aghmashenebeli, and Davit Aghmashenebeli. These titles reflect his multifaceted role in restoring the nation and his cultural contributions.

### The Kingdom of Georgia Context
David IV ruled over the Kingdom of Georgia, a medieval monarchy that emerged in circa 1008 AD. This kingdom, also known as the Georgian Empire, was located in the Caucasus region, spanning parts of Europe and Asia. The state's timeline includes its inception around 1008, a period as a republic of the Soviet Union starting February 25, 1921, and the restoration of sovereignty on December 25, 1991. David IV's reign is a critical chapter in this long history, situated between the kingdom's emergence and its later transformations.

### Education and Intellectual Life
David IV was associated with the Academy of Ikalto, an ecclesiastical academy located in medieval Georgia. This institution represents the intellectual and religious backbone of the era. His connection to this academy underscores his role not just as a warrior-king, but as a patron and participant in the scholarly life of his time.

### Literary and Political Roles
Beyond his kingly duties, David IV is categorized as a poet and a politician. As a poet, he contributed to the literary canon of the region. As a politician, he held the highest position in the government of his time. These roles are distinct from his military or administrative titles, highlighting a diverse skill set that defined his leadership.

### Modern Legacy and Honors
The impact of David IV extends far beyond the medieval period into contemporary Georgia. Several entities bear his name, reflecting his status as a national hero:
- **Awards**: The Order of David Agmashenebeli was established on December 24, 1992, as an award of the Republic of Georgia. The David Agmashenebeli Prize is another award named in his honor.
- **Political Entities**: The Strategy Aghmashenebeli political party was founded in 2016, headquartered in Tbilisi, and operates within the country of Georgia.
- **Infrastructure**: Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue is a prominent street located in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
- **Cultural Reach**: The "David IV" entry has a significant sitelink count of 54 across various platforms, indicating widespread recognition.

### Historical Timeline and Statehood
The historical context of David IV is deeply tied to the evolution of the Georgian state. The Kingdom of Georgia, which he ruled, traces its origins to circa 1008. The state underwent significant changes over the centuries, including becoming a republic of the Soviet Union on February 25, 1921, and regaining independence on May 26, 1918 (noted as a criterion used for independence in the source data, though the 1991 date marks the final sovereign state restoration). David IV's reign represents a foundational era that allowed the nation to survive and eventually re-emerge as a sovereign state in the modern era.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Biographical Dictionary of Georgia
3. [Source](https://archive.org/details/toumanoff-1976-genealogie/page/121/mode/2up)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CERL Thesaurus