Kingdom of Georgia (1256–1329)
The Kingdom of Georgia from 1256 to 1329, sometimes called the Kingdom of Eastern Georgia was the official prolongation of the Kingdom of Georgia from 1256 to 1329, but limited in its rule to the geographical areas of central and eastern Georgia, while the western part of the country temporarily seceded to form the Kingdom of Western Georgia under its own line of kings. The secession followed a transitional period when the rule of the Kingdom of Georgia was jointly assumed by the cousins David VI and David VII from 1246 to 1256. The entity split into two parts when David VI, revolting from the Mongol hegemony, seceded in the western half of the kingdom and formed the Kingdom of Western Georgia in 1256. David VII was relegated to the rule of Eastern Georgia. During his reign, Eastern Georgia went into further decline under the Mongol overlordship.
Mural of King David VII Ulugh, first ruler of Eastern Georgia
Tiflis coinage in the name of David VII citing Möngke as overlord: "King David, servant of the Khan, the Master of the World". Persian, dated 1253.
Khutlubuga was Commander-in-Chief of the Georgian Army (Amirspasalar) for Demetrius II. Church of the Holy Sign. Haghpat Monastery, southern wall. Late 13th century.
Soldiers in uniform, Kobayr Monastery, 1270s
Kingdom of Western Georgia
The Kingdom of Western Georgia was a late medieval de facto independent fragmented part of the Kingdom of Georgia that emerged during the Mongol invasions of the realm, led by King David VI Narin in 1259 and later followed by his successors. During this period, the Kingdom of Georgia (1256-1329) was reduced to the eastern part of the country and placed under Mongol control. Over the decades, the monarchy would fall into chaos and transform into a federation of autonomous principalities unruly of the central or regional royal power and authority.
David Narin, first king of West Georgia.
Abaqa Khan crowned Vakhtang II King of Georgia in 1289 in an attempt to annex western Georgia.
Alexander I of Georgia gave Prince Demetrius the Duchy of Samokalako after marrying his sister.
Coin representing Theodora Palaeologus, Queen of Western Georgia.