# Pharnavaz I of Iberia

> king of Iberia and Colchis

**Wikidata**: [Q372698](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q372698)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharnavaz_I)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pharnavaz-i-of-iberia

## Summary
Pharnavaz I was the founder and first king of the Kingdom of Iberia (also known as Kartli), an ancient Georgian monarchy that existed from approximately 299 BCE to 580 CE. He unified various Georgian tribes under a centralized monarchy and is considered the founder of early Georgian statehood.

## Biography
- Born: -0234-00-00T00:00:00Z (approx. 234 BCE)
- Nationality: Georgian (citizenship: Q19083)
- Education: Not mentioned in source material
- Known for: Founding the Kingdom of Iberia and establishing the first Georgian monarchy
- Employer(s): King of the Kingdom of Iberia
- Field(s): Royalty, monarchy, ancient Georgian statehood

## Contributions
Pharnavaz I founded the Kingdom of Iberia in 299 BCE, unifying various Georgian tribes under a centralized monarchy. This established the first organized Georgian state and laid the foundation for Georgian monarchy and governance. The kingdom became a key center of early Georgian statehood and contributed to the spread of Christianity in the region.

## FAQs
- What was Pharnavaz I's role in Georgian history?
  Pharnavaz I was the founder and first king of the Kingdom of Iberia, establishing the first organized Georgian state in 299 BCE.
- When did Pharnavaz I rule?
  He reigned in the 3rd century BCE, specifically from approximately 299 BCE until his death around 234 BCE.
- What was the Kingdom of Iberia?
  The Kingdom of Iberia was an ancient Georgian monarchy centered in Kartli, founded by Pharnavaz I and existing from 299 BCE to 580 CE.
- What was Pharnavaz I's legacy?
  He is considered the founder of early Georgian statehood and established the first Georgian monarchy.

## Why They Matter
Pharnavaz I's establishment of the Kingdom of Iberia was a pivotal moment in Georgian history. Without his unification of Georgian tribes and establishment of a centralized monarchy, the development of Georgian statehood might have been delayed or taken a different path. His kingdom became a key center for the spread of Christianity and the formation of Georgian identity, influencing subsequent Georgian rulers like Mirian III and Vakhtang I.

## Notable For
- Founder of the Kingdom of Iberia (3rd century BCE)
- First Georgian monarch who unified various Georgian tribes under a centralized monarchy
- Established the first organized state in Georgian history
- Laid the foundation for Georgian monarchy and governance
- Considered a key figure in the development of Georgian statehood

## Body
### Early Life and Rise to Power
Pharnavaz I was born around 234 BCE. The exact details of his early life are not fully documented in the source material, but he is traditionally considered the founder of the Kingdom of Iberia. According to historical records, he rose to power by uniting various Georgian tribes that had previously been independent.

### Founding of the Kingdom of Iberia
In 299 BCE, Pharnavaz I established the Kingdom of Iberia, which became the first organized Georgian state. He centralized authority and created a monarchy that would serve as the foundation for subsequent Georgian kingdoms. The kingdom was centered in Kartli, with its capital at Mtskheta.

### Establishment of the Georgian Monarchy
Pharnavaz I's most significant contribution was the establishment of the Georgian monarchy. He created a system of governance that would influence Georgian rulers for centuries to come. The kingdom adopted Old Georgian as its literary language and used the Kolkhuri Tetri as its currency.

### Religious and Cultural Development
Although the kingdom initially practiced paganism, it later became a center for the spread of Christianity. Pharnavaz I's kingdom was succeeded by Christian kings like Mirian III, who officially adopted Christianity as the state religion in the 4th century CE.

### Legacy and Succession
Pharnavaz I died around 234 BCE, and his kingdom continued under his successors. The Kingdom of Iberia would exist for over 650 years until its dissolution in 580 CE when it was conquered by the Sasanian Empire. Despite its fall, the kingdom's legacy endured in Georgian monarchy and culture.

## References

1. Biographical Dictionary of Georgia
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013