The history of the Caucasus

With historical records acknowledging the region as far back as the 13th century BC, the Caucasus is one of the earliest known populated areas on the planet. Dating back thousands of years, the history of the Caucasus – namely Georgia and Armenia – is one of great triumphs, unfortunate losses and many interesting figures.

Ancient traditions

Bordered by Turkey and the Black Sea to the west, Iran to the south, the Caspian Sea to the east and Russia to the north, the Southern Caucasus is located at the crossroads of East and West. Despite these influences, the region has always maintained a strong sense of identity which is neither Middle Eastern nor European, but something altogether separate.

As the world’s oldest Christian nation, Armenia first adopted the religion in the year 301 AD. Georgia followed shortly after. Ancient monasteries and forgotten cathedrals dot the landscapes of the two countries, many tracing their origins back to the 4th century. Notable sites include Echmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia and the Jvari Monastery in Georgia.

As well as being the oldest Christian nations, both countries have a strong tradition of winemaking, each trying to out-do the other as to who invented it first. During the excavation of a Neolithic village just outside of Tbilisi, archaeologists unearthed 8,000 year old clay pots containing wine residue. These indicate that winemaking has been a prominent part of everyday life in the Caucasus since the Stone Age. Similarly, in Armenia, a wine-producing facility was uncovered in the Areni-1 cave dating back 6,100 years.

Notable figures in the history of the Caucasus

The rich history of the Caucasus has lead to the emergence of many historical icons, several of whom are still revered and celebrated throughout the region today. King Tigranes II, also known as Tigranes the Great (140-55 BC), ruled over Armenia for 40 years in the 1st century BC. In the course of his reign, he led the country to significant power and prosperity. Expanding the nation’s boundaries and winning multiple battles, Armenia became known as the most powerful kingdom east of Rome. His legacy is still acknowledged today. You can admire the statue erected in his honor in Yerevan.

In Georgia, David the Builder (1089-1125) and his great-granddaughter Queen Tamar (1160-1213) are the most widely celebrated historical figures. Regarded as true creator of the Georgian Golden Age – the period during which the nation was at the height of its power in the 11th to 13th centuries – David IV rose to historical significance after successfully driving the Turkic conquerors out of the kingdom.

His descendant, Queen Tamar, is perhaps the country’s most famous ruler. Commonly referred to as King Tamar due to her perceived power, her story is legendary throughout Georgia. She is seen as a formidable warrior queen who built an empire that stretched across the Caucasus region. The subject of countless, songs, poems, tales, paintings, and with a stunning medieval arched bridge named after her, she has since been canonized by the Georgian Orthodox Church. An annual feast is held in her honor on the 14th May.

Outside influences

Due to the Caucasus’ sought after resources, and its geographical position as the bridge between east and west, the region fell repeatedly into the hands of various invaders after the death of Queen Tamar. Beginning with the Turco-Mongol conquests lead by the infamous subjugator Timur, the region was then fought over by the Ottoman and Persian empires until its annexation by the Russian Empire.

As a result, the Caucasus has been shaped by many outside influences. This patchwork quilt of identities and traditions is exemplified in the many languages spoken throughout the region as well as the ethnic diversity of its population. Even Georgia’s name supposedly derives from the Persian word gurğān.

Victims of tragedy

In the lead up to WWI, the Caucasus became the site of conflict between the Ottoman and Russian Empires. This was particularly acute in Armenia where many people were fighting on the side of the Russians despite still being under Ottoman rule. This greatly angered the Ottoman forces and led to the creation of the Tehcir Law, which supported the forced deportation of the Armenian population from the Ottoman Empire.

Over the course of the next few years, nearly 1.5 million Armenians were brutally murdered by Ottoman forces, forced into labor camps or marched into the Syrian desert. The atrocities carried out were unimaginable.

In the Armenian capital of Yerevan, an eternal flame burns at the Tsitsernakaberd, the memorial site and museum dedicated to those who were killed. Although it makes for a sobering experience, we recommend taking a look around the complex if you’re planning a visit to the city.

Soviet legacies

Whilst the nations of the Caucasus have been independent states for the last 20 to 30 years, the legacy that the Soviet Union has left on the region is evident. Much of the area’s populace still speak fluent Russian and striking Soviet architecture is scattered across the landscape. You will see it dotted about between crumbling, ancient monasteries and modern, metallic structures. Formally part of the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic (TSFSR for short), Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia were part of the USSR from the 1920s until its demise in the early 1990s.

Looking forward

Despite the periods of subjugation from outside forces, the Caucasus and its people have always maintained a strong sense of regional identity that has prevailed for thousands of years. From warrior queens to ancient religions, age-old traditions to Soviet influences, the tales of its eventful history are fascinating. Since the countries within the region have had their independence reinstated, they have further cultivated this unique culture that bridges the gap between western and eastern influences. As a result, it is quite unlike any other corner of the world.

Make it happen

If the rich and varied history of the Caucasus has piqued your interest, why not experience the ancient traditions and diverse cultures of Georgia and Armenia firsthand? Our trusted local experts are well versed in the region’s history and are perfectly equipped to organize a customized tour of its cultural and historical sights.