Tao-Klarjeti’s geographical position between the great Empires of the East and the West, and the fact that one branch of the Silk Road ran through its territory, meant that it was subject to a constant stream of diverging influences.
Tao-Klarjeti | Klarjeti |
The first known members of the family, Ioane and his son, Abuser, served loyally to King Bagrat IV (reigned 1027-1072) as hereditary holders of Artanuji (in Klarjeti) and Khikhata (in Adjara).
The Soviet Government forced Georgia to cede several areas to Turkey (the province of Tao-Klarjeti and part of Batumi province), Azerbaijan (the province of Hereti/Saingilo), Armenia (the Lore region) and Russia (northeastern corner of Khevi, eastern Georgia).