08 May 2003, 04:27
The Abkhazian empire
Early feodal state in Transcaucasia with the centre in Kutatisi (Kutaisi).
In the 80`s of VIII century the Abkhazian prince Leon II headed a struggle of the Western Georgia against Byzantium which it depended on, and achieved a complete independence. The Abkhazian empire at that time consisted of all Western and a part of East Georgia. The basic population - Abkhasians, Megrels and Svans. In the Abkhazian empire there were many cities, fortresses and temples. The population was trading with the ancient Georgian states, the countries of Near East and the Mediterranean. The Abkhazian empire was considerably amplified in IX and first part of X century. From the beginning of IX century the Abkhazian empire struggled with Tao-Klardzhet and Kahet' empires for domination in Georgia. Kings of the Abkhazian empire - George (died in 955) and Leon III (955-967) have subordinated a part of Kahet' and a northern part of Tao-Klardzhet. Weakening of the Abkhazian empire at Dametr (967-975) due to feudal conflicts had resulted in superiority of Tao-Klardzhet. After longlasting struggle against him the Abkhazian empire in 975 became a part of united feudal Georgia.
