George I of Georgia

George I () (998 or 1002 – 16 August 1027), of the Bagrationi dynasty, was the 2nd king (''mepe'') of the Kingdom of Georgia from 1014 until his death in 1027.

George I, who ascended the throne at a young age and could not yet match the stature of his father Bagrat III, first faced a defeat at the hands of the nobles, who forced him to recognize the renewed independence of Kakheti-Hereti. However, he soon managed to regain strength and expanded his influence throughout the region, acquiring numerous vassals in North Caucasus and establishing a genuine, though short-lived, sphere of influence in Armenia.

The Byzantine Empire, with which his father had already experienced growing tensions, proved powerful enough to confront him in a conflict initiated by George during the reign of Basil II. This war devastated the southern regions of Georgia and resulted in the annexation of the former Kingdom of the Iberians, Tao.

Nevertheless, through skillful diplomacy—including an alliance with the Fatimids—George succeeded in preserving the independence of his realm. Under his rule, Georgia remained free from vassalage and paid no tribute to any foreign power. Provided by Wikipedia