History of Tbilisi

Archaeological evidence shows the area was first settled in the Neolithic age, during the 3-4th millennium BC. The earliest written accounts of settlement of the location come from the second half of the 4th century AD, when a fortress was built during King Varaz-Bakur's reign. However, towards the end of the century it felt into Persian hands.

In 5th century, the fortress was retaken and during the reign of Vakhtang I Gorgasali it was improved. The area around it was also developed.

Due to its strategic location on major trade routes, Tbilisi swiftly began to grow and prosper, yet its growing wealth attracted attention from abroad.

From the late 6th century through to the end of the 11th century, the city was conquered and sacked by a parade of invaders: Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, Khazars, and Seljuk Turks all fought for the beleaguered capitol.

In 735, Murvan Ibn-Mohamed conquered the whole of the country, including Tbilisi. They quickly imposed taxes on the Tbilisi population.

The new turn in the history of Tbilisi was the triumphal appearance of the Georgian King David the Builder. In 1122, he won the city back, made it the capital of the united Georgia and began constructions, for what he had been named “The Builder”.

In 1801 Tbilisi was captured by the Russians, who improved its communications by building the Georgian Military Highway across the Greater Caucasus from Vladikavkaz to Tbilisi.

On 25 January 2004 Mikheil Saakashvili became a president and Georgia was given a new national flag. Saakashvili initiated widespread reforms, with mixed results.
History of Tbilisi