1. Early Life and Reign
2. Struggles and Restorations
3. Administrative Measures
4. Territorial Expansion
5. Religious Influence
6. Internal Challenges
7. Abdication and Monasticism
8. Marriages and Family
9. - David II (born 1417), Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia (1426-1430)

Early Life and Reign

Roots and Upbringing

Alexander I was born as the son of King Constantine I and Queen Natia Amiridzhibi into the Bagrationi dynasty. He was raised by his grandmother, Rusudan.

Struggles and Restorations

In his early reign, Alexander I faced invasions by Turkmen tribes. Peace was finally established in Georgia in 1415, allowing him to focus on rebuilding the country devastated by Tamberlane and the Turkmen.

Administrative Measures

Financial Reforms

To replenish the depleted treasury, a settlement tax was introduced in 1425 and abolished in 1440. The funds raised were used to restore temples and monasteries, including Svetitskhoveli, Ruisi, and others.

Territorial Expansion

Alexander I attempted to restore Georgia's former borders. In 1431, he annexed the fortress city of Lore and the surrounding valley, increasing the population by over 60,000 families.

Religious Influence

He promoted the restoration and strengthening of the Georgian Church, re-establishing its land ownership and renovating monasteries abroad.

Internal Challenges

Royal Power Dynamics

Alexander I faced challenges from his own sons, whom he appointed to govern provinces. This resulted in the rise of their political influence, leading to a weakening of central authority.

Abdication and Monasticism

Faced with internal divisions, Alexander I abdicated the throne in 1442 and took monastic vows under the name Athanasius.

Marriages and Family

First Marriage (Duandukht)
From his marriage to Duandukht, Alexander I had:
- Daughter (born 1412) married to John IV, Emperor of Trebizond
- Vakhtang IV (born 1413), King of Georgia (1442-1446)
- Demetrius (born 1413), progenitor of the Kartli kings
Second Marriage (Tamar)
From his marriage to Tamar, Alexander I had:

- George VIII (born 1415/17), King of Georgia (1446-1466), later King of Kakheti (1466-1476)

- David II (born 1417), Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia (1426-1430)

- Zaal (born 1428)

Georgia