09 April 2003, 04:29
Vakhtang the First Gorgasal
Vakhtang the First Gorgasal (year of birth unknown; d. 502 A.D.), czar of Iberia (Kartli). Struggled for centralization of the state power. During his rule, Tbilisi was rebuilt basically in order to transfer the nation's capital here from Mtskheta. Vakhtang the First led a lengthy struggle with Sasanide-ruled Iran for Kartli's independence. In 484 A.D., was the leader of a major anti-Sasanide uprising of Georgians and Armenians. The deceit of Georgian and Armenian feudalists was decisive for the uprising. Was called Gorgasal (Wolf Head) by the Persians because wore a helmet with this image. Killed in a battle with Persians. Georgian people have created songs and poems to honor him.
