To the Question of the Date when David III the Ruler of Tao-Klarjeti Obtained the Title of Kouropalates

Abstract

The article is devoted to a new examination of the issue of the date of obtaining the title of kouropalates by the ruler of Tao-Klarjeti David III (966–1000) from the Byzantine authorities. Manuscripts’ analysis and source criticism of Iviron’s acts, “History of the Bagratids” by Sumbat Davitis-Dze and “Annals” by Yahya of Antioch together with the already known data of other narrative sources and epigraphy make it possible to offer 983 as a new date for obtaining the title by David III. In addition, for the first time in the historiography, author offer an explanation about so long rejection of Byzantium to award the ruler of the South Tao by the title of kouropalates. The author comes to the conclusion that this position of the empire was the result of David’s participation around 961 in the organization of the exile and death of his own father, kuropalates Adarnase, who was an ally of Constantinople and a legitimate ruler in the Tao region from the empire’s point of view. The David III’s desire to get the title is explained by the his will to obtain an additional factor for his own legitimation in the Tao region, without the alacrity to join the Byzantine “hierarchy of power”. The proof of this is all foreign policy of ruler of Tao in relations with Byzantium before 990.

Keywords

• давид iii куропалат, тао-кларджети, багратиды, византия, василий ii болгаробойца, просопография, история грузии, византийская титулатура