Acting in Three Dimensions: the Titulary of Kakheti and Kakhet-Hereti Monarchs

Abstract

The present paper analyzes the titles of the monarchs of Kakheti and Kakhet-Hereti, and its historiographic value, based on varied historical material: metal artifacts; lapidary inscriptions; historical charters; narrative primary sources. In terms of methodology, Georgian, Byzantine, and Arabic titulary (of the monarchs of Kakheti and Kakhet-Hereti) was examined, as well as the data provided by Armenian sources, taking into consideration the reliability of each source and type of title (official vs. non-official) and synthesizing the data.

Georgian official lapidary inscriptions prove that the principal Georgian title was Chorepiscopus. Kvirike III appropriated the title of King of Rans and Kakhs (Kalaura inscription, Georgian narrative sources) / Lord of Rans and Kakhs (Torgha inscription).

The title of Chorepiscopus presumably implied a fusion of ecclesiastic authority with secular one. We demonstrated that it was never abandoned, apparently still retaining spiritual significance.

Possibly, exclusively ecclesiastic comprehension of the title of Chorepiscopus (certain associated stigma) prevented David IV from appropriating it along with King of Rans and Kakhs after annexing this kingdom.

What induced Kvirike III to become the King of Rans and Kakhs, and why the former monarch of Kakheti placed Rans (= Hereti) at the first place? We conjectured that Kvirike III was influenced by the Bagratid royal etiquette and social hierarchy; and adopted the title of King formerly owned by the Kings of Hereti. Hers could be placed at the first place due to being subdued first; or, Hereti’s major significance.

Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos designated the ruler of Kakheti as ἄρχων. We have provided arguments that Kvirike III (and not II) was magistros; Aghsartan I became couropalates. We argued, that Kakhet-Hereti’s sovereignty was jeopardized by being included into the Caucasian segment of the Byzantine Commonwealth.

Arabic sources designated the monarchs of Kakheti as Kings or Lords of as-Sanariya. Once a version of Chorepiscopus was utilized. Since the 11th century, they became Kings or Lords of Shakki, indicating the significance of Hereti.

Recent numismatic discoveries proved that David (?), Kvirike III, Gagik, Aghsartan I (possibly also Aghsartan II) had official Arabic titles: King the Just and metaphoric kunya Father of Virtue. Issuing coins with predominantly or exclusively Arabic legends was probably predetermined by economic relations with Muslim neighbors; influence of the Islamic monetary tradition; concern for self-presentation in the Muslim area.

Armenian sources confirm that the monarchs of Kakheti had the title of Chorepiscopus/Great Chorepiscopus. Vardan the Great possibly also employed the title of King of Albans(= Hereti). The Monarchs of Kakheti and Kakhet-Hereti had no official Armenian title.

The Chorepiscopi of Kakheti retained this title, but adopted that of King (Lord) of Rans and Kakhs; reflecting the expansion of their dominion (Georgian dimension of their titulary). They were acting also in two additional dimensions, Byzantine, and Oriental, as attested to by their official Byzantine and Arabic titles. Despite the dynastic alliance with Armenian Bagratids, no Armenian titles were adopted, indicating the soundness of Kakhet--Hereti’s Georgian and pro-Chalcedonian, anti-Monophysite stance.

The titulary of the monarchs of Kakheti and Kakhet-Hereti provides a reliable primary source on the social, political, economic and cultural history of this medieval Georgian state.