# Kingdom of Iberia

> ancient Georgian kingdom of Kartli

**Wikidata**: [Q19083](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19083)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Iberia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kingdom-of-iberia

## Summary
The **Kingdom of Iberia** was an ancient Georgian monarchy centered in **Kartli**, a core region of present-day Georgia. It existed from approximately **299 BCE to 580 CE**, playing a pivotal role in the political and cultural development of the Caucasus region. The kingdom was a key center of early Georgian statehood, with its rulers contributing to the spread of Christianity and the formation of Georgian identity.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Kingdom of Iberia (also referred to as **Kartli**)
- **Type of Entity**: Ancient Georgian kingdom (historical country)
- **Existence Period**: **299 BCE – 580 CE**
- **Capital**: **Mtskheta** (ancient capital of Kartli)
- **Language**: **Old Georgian** (literary language of Georgian monarchies)
- **Currency**: **Kolkhuri Tetri** (ancient Georgian currency)
- **Religion**: Christianity (following the **Christianization of Iberia**)
- **Dissolution**: Absorbed into the **Sasanian Empire** as a vassal state (An Ibéir Shasainid)
- **Geographical Coordinates**: **Latitude 41.44°, Longitude 43.24°**
- **Related Modern Entity**: **Georgia (country)**
- **Notable Cities**: **Tbilisi** (later capital, founded in 455 CE), **Armaztsikhe** (ancient Georgian city)
- **Key Rulers**:
  - **Pharnavaz I of Iberia** (founder, reigned 3rd century BCE)
  - **Mirian III of Iberia** (first Christian king, 4th century CE)
  - **Vakhtang I of Iberia** (5th–6th century, expanded the kingdom)
- **Successor State**: **Principality of Iberia** (under Sasanian suzerainty)
- **Cultural Legacy**: Foundation of Georgian monarchy, adoption of Christianity as a state religion

## FAQs

**What was the Kingdom of Iberia?**
The Kingdom of Iberia was an ancient Georgian monarchy that ruled the region of **Kartli** from **299 BCE to 580 CE**. It was one of the earliest Georgian states and played a crucial role in the political and cultural history of the Caucasus.

**Where was the Kingdom of Iberia located?**
The kingdom was centered in **Kartli**, a historical region in eastern Georgia, with its capital at **Mtskheta**. Its territory roughly corresponds to parts of modern-day **Georgia**, including areas around **Tbilisi**.

**Who were the notable rulers of the Kingdom of Iberia?**
Key rulers included:
- **Pharnavaz I** (founder, 3rd century BCE)
- **Mirian III** (first Christian king, 4th century CE)
- **Vakhtang I** (5th–6th century, expanded the kingdom’s influence)

**What religion did the Kingdom of Iberia follow?**
The kingdom initially practiced paganism but officially adopted **Christianity** in the **4th century CE** under **King Mirian III**, following the missionary work of **Saint Nino**.

**What happened to the Kingdom of Iberia?**
The kingdom was **dissolved in 580 CE** after being conquered by the **Sasanian Empire**, which established the **Principality of Iberia** as a vassal state.

**How is the Kingdom of Iberia connected to modern Georgia?**
The Kingdom of Iberia is considered a foundational state in Georgian history, contributing to the development of **Georgian monarchy, Christianity, and national identity**. Its legacy is preserved in Georgian historical and cultural traditions.

## Why It Matters
The Kingdom of Iberia was a cornerstone of early Georgian statehood, establishing the political and cultural frameworks that shaped the region for centuries. Its adoption of **Christianity** in the 4th century CE marked a defining moment in Georgian history, aligning the kingdom with Byzantine and later European Christian traditions.

The kingdom’s rulers, such as **Pharnavaz I** and **Mirian III**, laid the groundwork for Georgian monarchy and governance. Its capital, **Mtskheta**, remains a spiritual and historical center of Georgia, recognized as a **UNESCO World Heritage Site**.

The kingdom’s interactions with neighboring empires—such as **Rome, Persia, and Byzantium**—positioned it as a key player in Caucasus geopolitics. Its eventual dissolution under Sasanian rule did not erase its legacy; instead, it evolved into the **Principality of Iberia**, ensuring continuity in Georgian statehood.

## Notable For
- **First Georgian Kingdom**: One of the earliest organized states in Georgian history.
- **Christianization**: First to adopt Christianity as a state religion in the **4th century CE**.
- **Foundational Rulers**: **Pharnavaz I** (founder) and **Mirian III** (Christian king).
- **Cultural Hub**: **Mtskheta** as an ancient capital and religious center.
- **Geopolitical Influence**: Key interactions with **Rome, Persia, and Byzantium**.
- **Legacy in Modern Georgia**: Direct precursor to later Georgian monarchies.

## Body

### **History and Founding**
The **Kingdom of Iberia** was established in **299 BCE** by **Pharnavaz I**, who unified various Georgian tribes under a centralized monarchy. The kingdom was centered in **Kartli**, a region that became the heart of early Georgian statehood.

### **Capital and Key Cities**
- **Mtskheta**: The ancient capital and religious center, later recognized as a **UNESCO World Heritage Site**.
- **Tbilisi**: Founded in **455 CE** by **King Vakhtang I**, it later became the capital of Georgia.
- **Armaztsikhe**: An important ancient city linked to the kingdom’s administration.

### **Religion and Christianization**
The kingdom initially followed pagan traditions but officially converted to **Christianity in the 4th century CE** under **King Mirian III**, influenced by **Saint Nino’s** missionary work. This adoption of Christianity became a defining feature of Georgian identity.

### **Rulers and Dynasties**
Notable kings included:
- **Pharnavaz I** (founder, 3rd century BCE)
- **Mirian III** (first Christian king, 4th century CE)
- **Vakhtang I** (5th–6th century, expanded the kingdom’s territory)

### **Dissolution and Legacy**
The kingdom was **conquered by the Sasanian Empire in 580 CE**, leading to its dissolution. It was succeeded by the **Principality of Iberia**, a vassal state under Persian rule. Despite its fall, the kingdom’s legacy endured in Georgian monarchy and culture.

### **Geographical and Political Context**
Located in the **Caucasus region**, the kingdom interacted with major empires, including **Rome, Persia, and Byzantium**. Its strategic position made it a key player in regional politics.

### **Cultural and Historical Significance**
The Kingdom of Iberia is remembered as the **foundation of Georgian statehood**, with its rulers and institutions shaping the nation’s future. Its adoption of Christianity and establishment of **Mtskheta** as a religious center remain central to Georgian heritage.

### **Connected Entities**
- **Old Georgian**: The literary language of the kingdom.
- **Kolkhuri Tetri**: The ancient currency used in Iberia.
- **Christianization of Iberia**: The spread of Christianity in the kingdom.
- **Tbilisi**: Later capital of Georgia, founded by **Vakhtang I**.
- **Armaztsikhe**: An ancient city linked to the kingdom’s administration.

This structured knowledge entry ensures comprehensive coverage of the **Kingdom of Iberia**, integrating all provided facts, relationships, and historical context.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Czech National Authority Database