George XII of Georgia


George XII , sometimes known as George XIII , of the House of Bagrationi, was the last King of Georgia from 1798 until his death in 1800. His brief reign in the closing years of the 18th century was marked by significant political instability, which implied the near certainty of a civil strife and a Persian invasion. Weakened by poor health and overwhelmed by problems in his realm, George renewed a request of protection from Tsar Paul I of Russia. After his death, Imperial Russia took advantage of the moment and moved to annex the Georgian kingdoms, while sending the remnants of the Georgian royal family into forced exile in Russia.

George was born to Heraclius II , then the king of Kakheti, and later also of Kartli, and his second wife Anna Abashidze. George was recognized in about 1766 by his father as Crown Prince Batonishvili, and appointed the lord of Pambak and Lori . In 1770, he took part in Heraclius militarily successful, but ultimately fruitless expedition against the Ottoman garrisons in southern Georgia. In 1777, George, together with his halfbrother, Prince Levan, campaigned against the defiant eristavi of the Ksani and subdued his domain to the royal crown.

Source: Wikipedia


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