Why the ancestors of modern Georgians have occupied the Caucasus since the Neolithic era

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Georgians are an ethno-linguistically distinct people whose roots stretch back to the dawn of civilization. From the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia to a medieval golden age and modern independence, their history is defined by a unique language, a resilient culture, and a strategic position between empires.

The Georgian nation emerged from a diverse array of tribes inhabiting the southern Caucasus and northern Anatolia as far back as the Stone Age. Ancient scholars, including Greeks and Romans, identified these groups as Colchians in the west and Iberians in the east. By the 14th century BCE, Colchis had established itself as a state, while the Kingdom of Iberia formed in the 7th century BCE. These early foundations were crucial for the eventual consolidation of a unified Georgian identity.

The medieval period marked a high point for the region. In 1008, Bagrat III unified various principalities into a single Kingdom of Georgia, setting the stage for a cultural and political zenith during the 12th and 13th centuries. Under monarchs like David IV and Queen Tamar, the state expanded its influence across the Caucasus. However, this golden age was eventually curtailed by the Mongol invasions and internal fragmentation, leading to centuries of political instability and foreign domination by Ottoman and Iranian forces.

Throughout the early modern era, Georgians sought alliances to protect their faith and sovereignty, most notably turning toward the Russian Empire. This relationship proved fraught, as the 1783 Treaty of Georgievsk failed to prevent the eventual Russian annexation of the region in the 1800s. After brief independence from 1918 to 1921, Georgia was absorbed into the Soviet Union. It was not until 1991 that the nation finally reasserted its full independence, ending a long struggle for self-determination.

Today, the Georgian language remains a central pillar of national identity. Despite the existence of regional tongues like Svan and Mingrelian, Georgian serves as the official language for all citizens. Its unique script and extensive written tradition, which dates back to the 5th century, underscore the depth of a culture that has survived centuries of external pressure and internal change to remain a distinct presence on the global stage.

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