History of Georgia - Beginning and Prospering

In the 10 th century independent princedoms united to resist outside enemies' attacks. Tsar Bagrat III united eastern and western parts of Georgia in a single state. It reached its greatest prosperity in the 12 th century under the rule of Tsar David the Builder who relieved the country from Turkish oppression. The 12 th century was the "Golden Age" in terms of cultural and political development of the country. It was the epoch of prosperity of big Georgian academies in Helati and Ikalto, it was the time of Shota Rustaveli, the talented Georgian poet. The great number of temples was erected. By the beginning of the 13 th century Georgian kingdom, stretching from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea , became one of the most powerful states in the region and had commercial links with Europe and the Orient.