Demetre I (დემეტრე I) (ca.1093-1156), from the Bagrationi dynasty, was King of Georgia from 1125 to 1156. He is also known as poet.
Life
Demetre was the eldest son of King David the Builder by his first wife Rusudan of Armenia.
As a commander, he took part in his father’s battles, particularly at Didgori (1121) and Shirvan (1123).
Demetre succeeded on his father’s death on January 24, 1125. With his ascent to the throne, the Seljuk Turks attacked the Georgian-held city of Ani, Armenia. Demetre I had to compromise and ceded the city to a Seljuk ruler under terms of vassalage.
In 1138, he took control of the city of Ganja (the present day Azerbaijan). He brought the iron gate of the defeated city to Georgia and donated it to Gelati Monastery at Kutaisi, western Georgia. Despite this brilliant victory, Demetre could hold Ganja only for a few years.
In 1130, Demetre revealed a plot of nobles led by his elder son David. The King arrested the conspirators and executed one of their leaders Ioanne Abuletisdze in 1138 (or 1145). David revolted again in 1154 and forced his father to abdicate and become a monk.
However, David’s died six months later and King Demetre was restored to the throne. David was survived by son Demna who was regarded by the aristocratic opposition as a lawful pretender.
Although Demetre was not as successful as his father David the Builder, Georgia remained a strong feudal power with well-organized military and political system and developed cultural and economical life.
He died in 1155 and was buried at Gelati Monastery.
Marriage and Children
The name of Demetre's wife is unknown, but he had several children:
Poems
King Demetre I was an author of several poems, mainly on religious themes. “Shen Khar Venakhi” (Thou Art the Vineyard), a hymn to the Virgin Mary, is the most famous of them.
See also
External Link
