 |
Konstantin IIGrandson of Tsar Alexander I the Great. The last Tsar of the united Georgian state.
Country:
 Georgia |
Content:
- Grandson of Tsar Alexander I the Great
- Reign and Division of Georgia
- Capture and Exile
- Dual Monarchy and Conflict
- Reign of Kartli-Imereti
- Loss of Imereti and Further Division
- Diplomatic Efforts and Death
Grandson of Tsar Alexander I the Great
Constantine II was the grandson of Tsar Alexander I, also known as Alexander the Great. He was the last ruler of a united Georgian state.
Reign and Division of Georgia
In the early 1490s, Constantine II recognized the disintegration of Georgia into separate kingdoms: Kartli, Kakheti, and Imereti. Despite this, he continued to fight for the country's reunification and against the Ottoman and Persian empires.
Capture and Exile
In 1465, Constantine II and his uncle, Tsar George VIII, were captured by the ruler of Kvarkvare, Atabeg II. Constantine escaped captivity and took refuge in Kutaisi. However, the Georgian throne had already been seized by Bagrat VI, who proclaimed himself king in 1466.
Dual Monarchy and Conflict
George VIII, after being freed by Bagrat VI, established the Kingdom of Kakheti. In 1468, Constantine II was forced to acknowledge Bagrat VI as king, effectively establishing a dual monarchy. Constantine controlled certain territories, but his authority was contested.
Reign of Kartli-Imereti
After Bagrat VI's death in 1478, Constantine overcame opposition from Bagrat's son, Alexander, becoming king of the Kartli-Imereti Kingdom. However, in 1483, he was defeated in battle by Atabeg II.
Loss of Imereti and Further Division
Alexander II, Bagrat's son, took advantage of Constantine's defeat to seize Kutaisi and declare himself king of Imereti. In 1487, Constantine II expelled Alexander II, but was forced to abandon Imereti when Kartli was attacked by Yaqub Khan. Alexander II regained control of Imereti in 1489.
Diplomatic Efforts and Death
In the early 1490s, Constantine II acknowledged Georgia's division into separate kingdoms. However, he continued to fight for reunification and seek alliances against the Ottomans and Persians. He sent envoys to Egypt, the Pope, and the King of Spain, but his efforts were unsuccessful.
Constantine II died on April 27, 1505, and was succeeded by his son, David X, as king of Kartli.
