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Vakhtang IIIKing of Eastern Georgia (1298, 1302 - 1308). Son of King Demetre II. From the Bagrationi dynasty.
Country:
 Georgia |
Content:
- Vakhtamg III, King of Eastern Georgia
- Early Reign
- Conflict with David VIII
- Restoration as King
- Military Campaigns
- Death
Vakhtamg III, King of Eastern Georgia
Vakhtang III (c. 1269-1308) was a Georgian king who ruled from 1298 to 1308. He was the son of King Demetrius II and belonged to the Bagrationi dynasty.
Early Reign
In 1289, amidst tensions between King David VIII and the Mongol ruler Ghazan Khan, the khan appointed the 20-year-old Vakhtang III as king of Eastern Georgia. However, Vakhtang's authority extended only to the city of Tbilisi and its surrounding areas.
Conflict with David VIII
David VIII, unwilling to accept his subordinate status, captured Vakhtang III. Vakhtang was later released through the mediation of Ivane Burseli.
Restoration as King
In 1302, Ghazan Khan reaffirmed Vakhtang III as the king of Georgia. Vakhtang subsequently participated in Mongol-inspired military campaigns, including the invasion of Egypt (1299) and the conflict against the Gilyans (1306).
Military Campaigns
Vakhtang III's reign was marked by several military campaigns. He led Georgian forces alongside the Mongols in their invasion of Egypt, which aimed to disrupt the trade routes controlled by the Mamluks. In 1306, he also participated in a campaign against the Gilyans, a Persian kingdom bordering Georgia.
Death
Vakhtang III died in 1308. His death plunged Eastern Georgia into a period of instability, as different factions vied for control. Despite his brief and tumultuous reign, Vakhtang III is remembered for his military contributions and his efforts to balance the interests of the Mongols and the Georgian kingdom.
