David III Ruler of Georgia Country: Georgia

Biography of David III of Georgia (994-1001)

David III was the ruler of Georgia from 994 to 1001. He belonged to the Bagrationi dynasty from Tao. Among the Georgian statesmen of the second half of the 10th century, he was the strongest, most energetic, and intelligent politician. While Bagrat II held the nominal title of king, David, his first cousin, was the true power in Tao-Klarjeti.

In 975, David appointed his adopted son Bagrat III as the ruler of Kartli. In 976, a rebellion led by Vard Sklir, a notable military commander and nobility, erupted in the Byzantine Empire. Vard Fok was sent to suppress the uprising, but his forces were insufficient. In such a situation, the Byzantine authorities were forced to turn to David for help. David sent 12,000 horsemen under the command of Tornike and Jorgike to Byzantium. Vard Sklir was defeated, and in gratitude for the assistance, Emperor Basil II awarded David the title of kouropalates and granted him lands for life. After David's death, these lands reverted back to Byzantium. This condition was unacceptable to David, as he intended to annex the granted lands to his own possessions and then pass them on to Bagrat III. Presumably for this reason, David sided with the rebellion against Emperor Vard Fok in 989. It is likely that Fok promised to transfer the granted lands as hereditary property. However, Fok suffered defeat and was killed in battle. The emperor then sent an army against David the kouropalates. Seeing no way out of the situation, David wrote a will, stating that after his death, his possessions would be left to Byzantium. Apparently, he wanted to buy time, hoping that the situation might change in his favor. By writing the will, David preserved his position, and Emperor Basil did not initiate military actions.

In 990, David captured the city of Manzikert and defeated a coalition army of Muslim emirs. During David's reign, the churches of Oshki, Khakhuli, and Parkhali were built. In 1001, David died, possibly poisoned by the Byzantines.