Beka I, Prince of Samtskhe

Also known as Zacare ( ref: page 101 of https://archive.org/details/Minorsky1953StudiesCaucasianHistory/pag... )

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Beka I Jaqeli (Georgian: ბექა I ჯაყელი) (c. 1240 – 1306) was a ruling prince (mtavari) of Samtskhe (1285–1306). His principality included Samtskhe, Adjara, Shavsheti, Klarjeti, Tao, Kola, Artaani and most of Javakheti. His realm stretched from Tashiskari (modern Khashuri District) to Karnu-kalaki (now Erzurum) and the Black Sea. During his reign, Samtskhe-Saatabago existed as a politically independent entity from the Georgian Kingdom. Beka was a vassal of the Ilkhanate, paid regular tributes and participated in their campaigns. Despite being independent, Samtskhe still maintained some kind of relations with Georgia and Beka himself was given a title of Mandaturukhutsesi (the elder - first in rank - Mandator) by Georgian king. At the time of Beka's rule, the Turks became more active the Southwest borders, from the Sultanate of Rum. After a series of invasions, he managed to fend off the attacks. Beka was a supporter of maintaining Georgian political influence over the Empire of Trebizond. For this cause, he married off his daughter Jiajak to the Trapezuntine Emperor Alexios II. Another daughter of Beka, - Natela, became the consort of Demetrius II of Georgia and bore him a son and the successor to the throne. After the execution of his father Demetrius by Mongols, George was raised by his grandfather.

List of the Princes of Samtskhe:

• Sargis I 1268–1279
• Beka I 1285–1306
• Sargis II 1306–1334
• Qvarqvare I 1334–1361
• Shalva 1372–1389
• Aghbugha I 1389–1395
• Ivane II 1391–1444
• Aghbugha II 1444–1451
• Qvarqvare II 1451–1498
• Kaikhosro I 1498–1500
• Mzetchabuki 1500–1515
• Manuchar I 1515–1518
• Qvarqvare III 1518–1535
• Kaikhosro II 1545–1573
• Qvarqvare IV 1573–1581
• Manuchar II 1581–1607
• Manuchar III 1607–1628