Colchis and Iberia – the Ancient Kingdoms of Georgia
In Antiquity, the territory of present-day Georgia was occupied by two major states—Colchis in the west and Iberia in the east. Colchis, known in ancient Greek mythology as the land of the “Golden Fleece,” was a wealthy and well-developed state, famous for its metallurgical achievements and active trade relations with the Greeks. Iberia (also known as Kartli), on the other hand, played a key role as a political and cultural center in the eastern part of the country, maintaining contacts with both the Roman Empire and Persia.

These ancient kingdoms not only participated in the trade networks and political alliances of the ancient world, but also, as predecessors of modern Georgia, which laid the foundations of its cultural and religious identity.

The 4th Century – Christianity as the Foundation of Culture
In the 4th century (Late Antiquity), Georgia adopted Christianity as its official religion, making it one of the oldest Christian states in the world.
To this day, the country’s official religion remains Eastern Orthodoxy, represented by the Georgian Orthodox Church. The Church is autocephalous (independent) and plays a crucial role in preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of Georgian people.

Alongside Orthodox Christianity, other religions are also practiced in Georgia—Islam, Armenian Apostolic Christianity, Catholicism, Judaism, and others—highlighting the country’s religious diversity.

The Georgian “Golden Age” – Cultural and Political Apex
During the Middle Ages, Georgia experienced a period of immense political influence and cultural prosperity, known as the Georgian “Golden Age.” During this time, the country established itself as a major center of arts, science, and intellectual life, while trade and diplomatic relations with neighboring states reached new heights.
In some ways, Georgia’s history during this period resembles Bulgaria’s “Golden Age,” when cultural and spiritual development went hand in hand with political stability and international recognition.\

The Reign of Queen Tamar – Georgia’s First Female Ruler
Courage and wisdom can be the strength of a state—and Queen Tamar is a powerful example of this. She was the first woman to rule Georgia independently and ushered in a unique period in the country’s history, demonstrating how female strength and intellect can lead a nation to greatness.
Queen Tamar ruled Georgia in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Under her leadership, the country reached the height of its medieval influence and became a major cultural and spiritual center of the Caucasus region.

Known as the “Queen of Queens”, Tamar remains a symbol of wisdom, beauty, and bravery. According to a legend, in order to protect her body from desecration after death, she was buried in a secret location—said to be simultaneously in twelve different places. A mystery that remains unsolved to this day.

Because of her exceptional contribution to the development of the state and its culture, Queen Tamar was canonized by the Georgian Orthodox Church.

The Path to Independence
At the beginning of the 19th century, Georgia came under the control of the Russian Empire, which led to significant social, political, and cultural changes. After a brief period of independence following the First World War, Georgian territories were incorporated into the Soviet Union, where they remained until 1991. With the collapse of the USSR, Georgia restored its independence and began an active process of building state institutions, strengthening international relations, and integrating into the global community, while simultaneously striving to preserve its cultural heritage and national identity.