Stephen I, of the Guaramid Dynasty, was a presiding prince of Iberia from c. 590 to 627. He was killed after Siege of Tbilisi by the invading Byzantine army.
Stephen I of Iberia
"Ibero-Sasanid" coin of Stephen I
Principality of Iberia or Principality of Kartli was an early medieval aristocratic regime in a core Georgian region of Kartli, called Iberia by classical authors. It flourished in the period of interregnum between the sixth and ninth centuries, when the leading political authority was exercised by a succession of princes. The principality was established shortly after the Sassanid suppression of the local royal Chosroid dynasty, around 580; it lasted until 888, when the kingship was restored by a member of the Bagrationi dynasty. Its borders fluctuated greatly as the presiding princes of Iberia confronted the Persians, Byzantines, Khazars, Arabs, and neighboring Caucasian rulers throughout this period.
Ateni Sioni Church, early 600s
Jvari monastery, 586-605
Tsromi church, 626–634