Who was Mirian III, and what was his primary historical significance?

Mirian III was a king, or *mepe*, of Iberia, also known as Kartli or Georgia, who reigned contemporaneously with the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. He is historically significant as the founder of the royal Chosroid dynasty and is recognized as the first Christian king of Iberia, responsible for establishing Christianity as the state religion of his kingdom.

What was the duration of Mirian III's reign, according to different historical chronologies?

According to traditional chronology, which aligns with Prince Vakhushti's Description of the Kingdom of Georgia, Mirian III's reign lasted 77 years, from 268 to 345. However, Professor Cyril Toumanoff adjusted these dates to 284–361.

How is Mirian III recognized by the Georgian Orthodox Church?

The Georgian Orthodox Church regards Mirian III as a saint and canonized him as Saint Equal to the Apostles King Mirian, acknowledging his pivotal role in the Christianization of Iberia.

What is the origin and meaning of the name 'Mirian'?

The name 'Mirian' is the Georgian form of the Iranian name Mihrān. It is transliterated in Greek as Mithranes and, according to the *Life of Vakhtang*, was also associated with Mirdat, meaning 'given by Mithra', referring to the ancient Iranian sun god.

Why is Mirian III assigned the regnal number 'III' in Georgian historiography?

The regnal numbers, such as 'III' for Mirian, are modern additions and were not used by medieval Georgian authors. He was assigned this ordinal because two kings with the name Mirian preceded him in Georgian history.

What was Mirian III's ancestral background and original religious affiliation?

Mirian III was a member of the House of Mihran, one of the Seven Great Houses of Iran, with his family based in Ray, northern Iran. His ancestry was traced back to the Arsacid Empire, which preceded the Sasanian Empire. He was born in Iran and was originally a Zoroastrian.

How did Mirian III ascend to the throne of Iberia, and what was the Sasanian Empire's role in his accession?

In 284, the Sasanian King of Kings Bahram II secured the Iberian throne for Mirian III, establishing Mihranid rule in Iberia. Bahram II's motivation was to strengthen Sasanian authority in the Caucasus and control the important passes through the Caucasus Mountains via the Iberian capital, Mtskheta.

What measures did Bahram II take to ensure Mirian III's position as king of Iberia?

To secure Mirian III's position, Bahram II allegedly traveled to Mtskheta himself. He also sent a grandee named Mirvanoz, who was also a Mihranid, to act as a guardian for the then seven-year-old Mirian.

What military support did the Sasanian Empire provide to Mirian III upon his accession?

After Mirian III's marriage to Abeshura, 40,000 Sasanian 'select mounted warriors' were stationed in eastern Iberia, Caucasian Albania, and Gugark. Additionally, 7,000 Sasanian cavalrymen were sent to Mtskheta in western Iberia to safeguard Mirian.

How did the Mihranid family's influence expand in the Caucasus after Mirian III's accession?

A few decades after Mirian III's accession, other branches of the Mihranid family were established on other Caucasian thrones, specifically in Gugark and the Armeno-Albania principality of Gardman.

What historical sources provide details about Mirian III's reign?

The *Life of the Kings* recounts many details of Mirian III's reign. He was also known to the contemporary Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus and is mentioned in medieval Armenian chronicles.

What aspects of Mirian III's reign, as described in the *Life of the Kings*, are considered fictional by modern historians?

While the *Life of the Kings* provides many details, claims that Mirian III was a pretender to the throne of Iran, that he controlled Colchis and Albania, and that his activities extended as far as Syria are considered fictional by modern historians.

What was the cultural and religious landscape of Iberia and the Caucasus during Mirian III's early reign?

During Mirian III's early reign, Iberia, like the rest of the Caucasus, was largely dominated by Iranian cultures and various mixtures of the Zoroastrian religion. The modern historian Stephen H. Rapp describes the Caucasus as part of the 'Iranian Commonwealth', a vast cross-cultural network spanning from Central Asia to the Balkans.

How is Mirian III's status as a Sasanian vassal confirmed in historical inscriptions?

Mirian III's status as a Sasanian vassal is indicated in the Paikuli inscription of the *shahanshah* Narseh, who reigned from 293 to 303. This inscription lists an unnamed king of Iberia as one of the *shahanshah's* vassals, and this king is most likely Mirian.

What was Mirian III's involvement in the Sasanian-Roman war of 297-298, and what was its outcome for Iberia?

As a Sasanian vassal, Mirian III participated in Narseh's brief war against the Romans from 297 to 298. The war resulted in a significant Sasanian defeat, which forced Narseh to cede both Armenia and Iberia to the Romans.

How did Mirian III adapt to the shift in political power following the Sasanian defeat by the Romans?

Mirian III quickly adapted to the new political landscape after the Sasanian defeat, establishing close ties with Rome. This new alliance was further solidified by his conversion to Christianity.

When did Mirian III convert to Christianity, and what made this event significant for Georgia?

Scholars generally accept that Mirian III's conversion to Christianity and the adoption of it as Iberia's state religion occurred either in 319 or 326. This event was highly significant as it made Georgia the second kingdom, after Armenia, to declare Christianity as its state religion.

Describe the legend surrounding Mirian III's conversion to Christianity.

A popular legend states that Mirian III, who was a staunch pagan, was hunting in the woods near his capital, Mtskheta, when a sudden darkness enveloped the land, blinding him completely. The light only returned after he prayed to 'Nino's God' for assistance. Following this miraculous event, he summoned Nino for an audience and soon after converted to Christianity.

What role did Nino play in Mirian III's conversion to Christianity?

Mirian III's conversion to Christianity, according to tradition, occurred through the ministry of Nino, a Cappadocian female missionary. She is credited with being the instrument of his spiritual transformation.

Who was Nana, and what was her role in the Christianization of Iberia?

Nana was Mirian III's second wife. According to tradition, she preceded her husband in converting to Christianity, suggesting she may have influenced his eventual conversion.

What were the immediate effects of Mirian III's conversion on the central royal government and the church?

Mirian III's conversion to Christianity fostered the growth of the central royal government. It led to the confiscation of properties belonging to pagan temples, which were then redistributed to the nobility and the newly established church.

How was Christianity propagated in Iberia after Mirian III's conversion, and what challenges were faced?

Medieval Georgian sources indicate that the monarchy and nobility actively propagated Christianity throughout Iberia. However, they encountered resistance from the mountain folk, suggesting that the new religion was not universally accepted without opposition.

What assistance did Emperor Constantine provide to Iberia after its conversion to Christianity?

The Roman historian Rufinus and Georgian annals report that after their conversion, the Iberians requested clergymen from Emperor Constantine. He responded enthusiastically by sending priests and holy relics to Iberia to support the new Christian kingdom.

What significant construction and personal journey are attributed to Mirian III in Georgian tradition after his conversion?

Georgian tradition attributes to Mirian III the construction of a cathedral in Mtskheta. It also states that he undertook a pilgrimage to Jerusalem shortly before his death.

Where are Mirian III and his wife Nana believed to be buried?

According to tradition, King Mirian III and his wife Nana were buried at the Samtavro convent in Mtskheta, where their tombs are still displayed to the public.

What does the image of the sarcophagus of Mirian III at Samtavro Monastery depict?

The source material references an image depicting the sarcophagus of Mirian III, which is located at Samtavro Monastery. This sarcophagus serves as his burial place.

What does the image of the Caucasus in the 4th century illustrate?

The source material includes a map illustrating the geographical and political landscape of the Caucasus region during the 4th century, providing context for Mirian III's reign.

What does the image of the tombs of King Mirian III and Queen Nana at Samtavro church in Mtskheta show?

The source material references an image showing the burials of King Mirian III and Queen Nana, which are located at the Samtavro church in Mtskheta.

Who was Mirian III's first wife, and what was her lineage?

Mirian III's first wife was Abeshura, who was the daughter of the last Arsacid Iberian king. Her ancestry was traced back to the ancient Pharnabazid dynasty of Iberia.

What was the significance of Abeshura's death for the Pharnabazid dynasty?

Abeshura died without issue when Mirian was 15 years old, in 292 according to Toumanoff. Her death marked the end of the 'kingship and queenship of the Pharnabazid kings in Iberia', as recorded by the chronicler.

Who was Mirian III's second wife, and where was she from?

Mirian III's second wife was Nana, who is described as being 'from Pontus' and the daughter of Oligotos.

How many children did Mirian III have with his second wife, Nana, and what were their names?

Mirian III and his second wife, Nana, had two sons, named Rev and Varaz-Bakur, and an anonymous daughter. The infobox also lists the sons as Rev II and Aspacures II.

What was the marital alliance involving Mirian III's daughter?

Mirian III's daughter, whose name is not specified in the text, married Peroz, who was the first Mihranid dynast of Gugark.

Who was Mirian III's predecessor on the throne of Iberia?

Mirian III was preceded as King of Iberia by Aspacures I.

Who succeeded Mirian III as King of Iberia?

Mirian III was succeeded as King of Iberia by Sauromaces II.

Did Mirian III rule alone throughout his entire reign?

No, Mirian III ruled as King of Iberia from 284 to 361, but from 345 to 361, he ruled with Rev II and Salome as co-rulers.

What was the primary purpose of Bahram II's intervention in Iberia to place Mirian III on the throne?

Bahram II's primary purpose was to strengthen Sasanian authority in the Caucasus region and to utilize the strategic location of the Iberian capital, Mtskheta, as a gateway to the crucial passes through the Caucasus Mountains.

What was the House of Mihran, and what was its significance to Mirian III?

The House of Mihran was one of the Seven Great Houses of Iran, tracing its ancestry to the Arsacid Empire. Mirian III was a member of this house, and the Chosroid dynasty he founded in Iberia was a branch of the Mihranid princely family.

What does the term 'Iranian Commonwealth' refer to in the context of the Caucasus during Mirian III's time?

According to modern historian Stephen H. Rapp, the 'Iranian Commonwealth' refers to a massive cross-cultural enterprise that stretched from Central Asia to the Balkans, encompassing the Caucasus region, which was dominated by Iranian cultures and Zoroastrianism during Mirian III's era.

How did the Roman Empire secure Iberia from Sasanian influence during Mirian III's early reign?

The Roman Empire secured Iberia from Sasanian influence after a crushing Sasanian defeat in a war from 297 to 298, which forced the Sasanian *shahanshah* Narseh to cede Armenia and Iberia to the Romans.

What was the religious landscape of Iberia before Mirian III's conversion to Christianity?

Before Mirian III's conversion, Iberia was predominantly pagan, with Zoroastrianism being a significant religious influence, reflecting the broader Iranian cultural dominance in the Caucasus.

What was the age of Mirian III when he became king?

Mirian III was merely seven years old when Bahram II secured the Iberian throne for him in 284.

How did the Roman Emperor Constantius attempt to maintain allegiance with Iberia and Armenia in 360 AD?

In 360 AD, Constantine's successor, Constantius, sent embassies bearing costly presents to Arsaces of Armenia and Meribanes of Iberia (Mirian III) to ensure their allegiance during his ongoing confrontation with Iran.

What was the name of the previous Iberian ruler whose daughter, Abeshura, married Mirian III?

Mirian III married Abeshura, who was the daughter of Aspacures, the previous Iberian ruler.

What was the name of the Sasanian King of Kings who secured the Iberian throne for Mirian III?

The Sasanian King of Kings who secured the Iberian throne for Mirian III in 284 was Bahram II.

What was the name of the Sasanian grandee sent to Iberia as Mirian III's guardian?

A Sasanian grandee named Mirvanoz, who was also a Mihranid, was sent to Iberia to act as the guardian of Mirian III when he was seven years old.

In which city did Mirian III die and where was he buried?

Mirian III died in Mtskheta, Iberia, at the age of 83–84 in 361 AD. He was buried at the Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta.

What was the name of the Roman historian who mentioned Mirian III, referring to him as Meribanes?

The Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus mentioned Mirian III, referring to him by the name Meribanes in his writings (XXI, 6, 8).

What was the initial political status of Iberia when Mirian III ascended to the throne?

When Mirian III ascended to the throne, Iberia was a kingdom that had been ruling since the 4th century BC, and it was initially dominated by Iranian cultures and Zoroastrianism, functioning as a client kingdom under Sasanian influence.

What was the significance of Mtskheta to the Sasanian Empire during Mirian III's early reign?

Mtskheta, the capital of Iberia, was of high importance to the Sasanian Empire because it served as a strategic entrance to the vital passes through the Caucasus Mountains, which Bahram II sought to control to strengthen Sasanian authority in the region.

Mirian Iii Wiki: Iberia's Dawn: The Reign and Conversion of King Mirian III

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The Iberian Monarch

A Pivotal Ruler

Mirian III was a significant king (mepe) of Iberia, also known as Kartli, which corresponds to modern-day Georgia. His reign was contemporaneous with the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (r. 306–337 CE), placing him at a critical juncture in late antiquity. He is recognized as the progenitor of the royal Chosroid dynasty, a lineage that would profoundly shape the region's history.

First Christian King

According to early Medieval Georgian annals and hagiographical texts, Mirian III holds the distinction of being the first Christian king of Iberia. His conversion is attributed to the ministry of Saint Nino, a Cappadocian female missionary. Following this pivotal event, Mirian III is credited with establishing Christianity as the state religion of his kingdom. Consequently, he is revered by the Georgian Orthodox Church as a saint, canonized as Saint Equal to the Apostles King Mirian.

Reign and Recognition

Traditional chronologies, such as that by Prince Vakhushti, assign Mirian's reign to 268–345 CE, spanning an impressive 77 years. However, Professor Cyril Toumanoff's scholarship suggests a revised period of 284–361 CE. His historical existence is corroborated by contemporary Roman historians like Ammianus Marcellinus, who referred to him as Meribanes, and by medieval Armenian chronicles, underscoring his regional importance.

Etymology of a Name

Iranian Roots

The name "Mirian" is the Georgian adaptation of the Iranian name Mihrān. This linguistic connection highlights the deep cultural and historical ties between Iberia and the broader Iranian world during this period. The name's transliteration into Greek appears as Mithranes, further illustrating its widespread recognition and adaptation across different cultural spheres.

Divine Association

Intriguingly, the Life of Vakhtang associates Mirian's name with Mirdat, which translates to "given by Mithra." Mithra was an ancient Iranian sun god, a deity of significant importance in Zoroastrianism, the predominant religion in Iran and the Caucasus before the advent of Christianity. This association underscores Mirian's pre-Christian religious and cultural context.

Modern Ordinal

The regnal number "III" appended to Mirian's name is a modern historiographical convention. Medieval Georgian authors did not employ such ordinal numbers. This designation was introduced to distinguish him from two earlier Iberian kings who bore the same name, providing clarity in contemporary historical scholarship.

Background & Accession

House of Mihran

Mirian III was a scion of the House of Mihran, one of the Seven Great Houses of Iran. This influential family, headquartered in Ray (northern Iran), traced its ancestry to the Arsacid Empire, the predecessors of the Sasanian Empire. Mirian himself was born in Iran and, prior to his conversion, adhered to Zoroastrianism, reflecting his Persian heritage.

Sasanian Patronage

In 284 CE, the Sasanian King of Kings (shahanshah) Bahram II (r. 274–293 CE) played a crucial role in securing the Iberian throne for Mirian. This strategic move established Mihranid rule in Iberia, a dynasty that would endure into the sixth century. Bahram II's primary motivation was to consolidate Sasanian authority in the Caucasus region, leveraging the strategic location of the Iberian capital, Mtskheta, as a gateway to vital passes through the Caucasus Mountains.

Bahram II reportedly traveled to Mtskheta personally to ensure Mirian's position.
A Mihranid grandee named Mirvanoz was dispatched to Iberia to serve as Mirian's guardian, as the future king was only seven years old at the time.
Following Mirian's marriage to Abeshura, daughter of the preceding Iberian ruler Aspacures I, a substantial military presence was established: 40,000 Sasanian "select mounted warriors" were stationed in eastern Iberia, Caucasian Albania, and Gugark, with an additional 7,000 Sasanian cavalrymen in Mtskheta to protect Mirian.

This extensive support highlights the strategic importance of Iberia to the Sasanian Empire.

Mihranid Expansion

Within a few decades of Mirian's ascension, other branches of the Mihranid family extended their influence, establishing themselves on other Caucasian thrones. Notably, one branch took control in Gugark, while another founded a principality in Gardman, an Armeno-Albanian region. This demonstrates the broader Mihranid strategy of consolidating power across the strategically vital Caucasus.

Early Reign & Geopolitics

The Life of the Kings

The medieval Georgian chronicle, "Life of the Kings," provides a detailed account of Mirian's early reign. While some claims, such as his being a pretender to the Iranian throne or controlling Colchis, Albania, and extending influence to Syria, are considered fictional by modern historians, the chronicle's information regarding his participation as an Iranian client king in Sasanid wars against the Roman Empire and his territorial ambitions in Armenia is deemed plausible.

Iranian Commonwealth

Mirian inherited a kingdom that had been a significant power in Iberia since the 4th century BCE. During this era, Iberia, along with the rest of the Caucasus, was deeply influenced by Iranian cultures and a blend of Zoroastrian religious practices. As noted by modern historian Stephen H. Rapp, the Caucasus was an integral part of the "Iranian Commonwealth," a vast cross-cultural network spanning from Central Asia to the Balkans, underscoring the region's strong Persian connections.

Shifting Allegiances

As a Sasanian vassal, Mirian participated in Narseh's brief war against the Romans from 297 to 298 CE. This conflict culminated in a decisive Sasanian defeat, compelling Narseh to cede control of both Armenia and Iberia to the Romans. Mirian, demonstrating political acumen, swiftly adapted to this new geopolitical reality, forging close ties with Rome. This strategic shift was further solidified by his eventual conversion to Christianity. Even after his conversion, Roman interest in Iberia remained, with Emperor Constantius sending embassies and valuable gifts to Mirian in 360 CE to secure his allegiance during renewed confrontations with Iran.

The Christian Conversion

Dating the Transformation

Scholarly consensus places Mirian's conversion to Christianity and Iberia's adoption of it as the state religion in either 319 CE or 326 CE. This momentous decision positioned Georgia as the second kingdom, after Armenia, to officially declare Christianity as its state religion, marking a profound shift in its cultural and political identity.

The Legend of Nino

A popular legend recounts Mirian's conversion: while hunting in the forests near his capital, Mtskheta, a sudden and inexplicable darkness enveloped the land, blinding the staunchly pagan king. The light was only restored after Mirian fervently prayed to "Nino's God" for assistance. Upon regaining his sight, he summoned Saint Nino for an audience and soon after converted to Christianity. Tradition also suggests that his second wife, Queen Nana, had already embraced Christianity prior to her husband's conversion.

State & Church Integration

Mirian's conversion had far-reaching implications, fostering the growth of a centralized royal government. This new Christian monarchy confiscated properties belonging to pagan temples and redistributed them to the nobility and the burgeoning church. Medieval Georgian sources document the active propagation of Christianity by the monarchy and aristocracy, as well as the resistance they encountered from the traditional mountain communities. The Roman historian Rufinus and Georgian annals confirm that, following their conversion, the Iberians requested clergy from Emperor Constantine, who responded by sending priests and holy relics to Iberia. Georgian tradition further credits Mirian with commissioning the construction of a cathedral in Mtskheta and undertaking a pilgrimage to Jerusalem shortly before his death. Mirian and Queen Nana are traditionally interred at the Samtavro convent in Mtskheta, where their tombs are still venerated.

Royal Family

First Marriage: Abeshura

Georgian historical sources detail two marriages for King Mirian III. His first wife was Abeshura, who was the daughter of the last Arsacid Iberian king. Her lineage also traced back to the ancient Pharnabazid dynasty of Iberia. Abeshura, however, died without issue when Mirian was approximately 15 years old, around 292 CE according to Toumanoff's chronology. Her passing marked the end of the Pharnabazid kingship and queenship in Iberia, as recorded by chroniclers.

Second Marriage: Nana

Mirian subsequently married his second queen, Nana, described as being "from Pontus, daughter of Oligotos." Queen Nana bore him two sons, Rev and Varaz-Bakur, who would continue the royal line. Additionally, they had a daughter whose marriage to Peroz, the first Mihranid dynast of Gugark, further cemented political alliances and extended the family's influence across the region.

Dynastic Connections

The marriages of Mirian III were not merely personal unions but strategic alliances that solidified his rule and expanded the influence of the Chosroid dynasty. His connection to the Arsacid and Pharnabazid lines through Abeshura, and the Mihranid line of Gugark through his daughter, illustrate the complex web of dynastic relationships that characterized the political landscape of ancient Iberia and the broader Caucasus region.

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References

Lang, David Marshall (1956), Lives and legends of the Georgian saints, pp. 13-39. London: Allen & Unwin

Aleksidze 2018; Toumanoff 1969, p. 21

Rapp 2003, pp. 293â295; Toumanoff 1967, pp. 83â84, 377

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mirian III Wikipedia page

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Iberia's Dawn: The Reign and Conversion of King Mirian III

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The Iberian Monarch 👑

📜 A Pivotal Ruler

✝️ First Christian King

🗓️ Reign and Recognition

Etymology of a Name 🏷️

🌍 Iranian Roots

☀️ Divine Association

🔢 Modern Ordinal

Background & Accession 🏛️

lineage House of Mihran

🤝 Sasanian Patronage

branching Mihranid Expansion

Early Reign & Geopolitics 🗺️

chronicles The Life of the Kings

🌐 Iranian Commonwealth

⚔️ Shifting Allegiances

The Christian Conversion ✝️

📅 Dating the Transformation

✨ The Legend of Nino

🏗️ State & Church Integration

Royal Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

💔 First Marriage: Abeshura

👑 Second Marriage: Nana

🌳 Dynastic Connections

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Iberian Monarch

A Pivotal Ruler

First Christian King

Reign and Recognition

Etymology of a Name

Iranian Roots

Divine Association

Modern Ordinal

Background & Accession

House of Mihran

Sasanian Patronage

Mihranid Expansion

Early Reign & Geopolitics

The Life of the Kings

Iranian Commonwealth

Shifting Allegiances

The Christian Conversion

Dating the Transformation

The Legend of Nino

State & Church Integration

Royal Family

First Marriage: Abeshura

Second Marriage: Nana

Dynastic Connections

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

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Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice