Vache Baghvashi, the Unknown Duke of Dukes (Eristavt-Eristavi) of Trialeti: Toward an Interpretation of the Lapidary Inscriptions from His Duchy

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the identity and family origin of a certain Vache, Duke of Dukes (Eristav of Eristavs), mentioned in a lapidary inscription discovered at the K’ldeisi St. Mary Monastery. It also seeks to elucidate the activities of Rat’i, Eristav of Eristavs of Trialeti, and to explore the identities of certain Yvane and Iovane, Eristav of Eristavs, both referenced in the K’ldeisi inscriptions. Our research is based on a comprehensive analysis of both newly uncovered and previously known primary sources – namely, recently discovered sigillographic material and lapidary inscriptions from the Georgian regions of Trialeti and Lower Kartli, associated with various members of the Baghvashi family. The identification of Vache, designated in the inscription as “Vache, Eristav of Eristavs,” is supported by the following arguments: 1) Inscriptions at the K’ldeisi Monastery refer to both T’belis and Baghwashis; 2) Vaches title (Eristav of Eristavs) is characteristic of the 11th century Baghwashis, but is not attested for T’belis; 3) Paleographically, the inscription dates back to the 11th century; and we have also 4) A recently published Byzantine bulla, analyzed by W. Zeibt, and owned by certain Batseas (Βατσ[ε]άς) Liparites, i.e. Georgian Vache (Βατσε), whose name was hellenized by adding Greek suffix -as (-άς); this bulla also exhibits paleographical features typical of the 11th century. We propose that the Vache mentioned in the K’ldeisi inscription and the individual named on the Byzantine bulla are one and the same: Vache Baghvashi (Liparit), Eristav of Eristavs of Trialeti. Thus, we identify a previously undocumented representative of the prominent Baghvashi family, active in the 11th century and governing the Trialeti duchy (eristavdom) – one of the family’s principal domains. We further hypothesize that Vache was the son of Rat’i (III), the elder son of the Great Lip’arit’, an archrival of Bagrat IV, King of Georgia. T. Gogoladze’s recent reinterpretation of the Gokhnari inscription in Trialeti confirms that Rat’i III was the sole Eristav of Eristavs of Trialeti following his father’s demise, specifically between 1064 and 1073. Lip’arit’s second son, Iovane, appears to have controlled the Eristavdom of Trialeti in the late 1050s, as he countersigned a royal charter issued by Bagrat IV in 1057/8 concerning the village of Bortswisjwari – most likely located within the territory of the Eristavdom. Several undated lapidary inscriptions in the Trialeti region mention a certain Rat’i, either as Eristav or Eristav of Eristavs (Sabat’e, Uts’qlo, and four inscriptions from the churches of St. George and St. Mary in Akhalkalaki of Trialeti). These inscriptions were previously attributed to Rat’i I or Rat’i II (late 10th–early 11th-century Baghvashis). However, based on the reinterpretation of the Gokhnari inscription, we may now conjecture that at least some of these refer to Rat’i III. In particular, the use of the higher title Eristav of Eristavs — a distinction only adopted by the Baghvashis after Rat’i II’s death – supports this reassignment. Thus, we attribute the four inscriptions in Akhalkalaki to Rat’i III, who likely ordered the construction or renovation of these churches as their benefactor. Paleographic analysis confirms that both the K’ldeisi inscription and the Byzantine bulla date to the 11th century – a period when the Baghvashis adopted the title Eristav of Eristavs. The known list of rulers of Trialeti has already been established: Lip’arit’ (son of Rat’i I); Zviad (?); Lip’arit’ (son of Lip’arit’), until his expulsion (1052–1054?); Iovane (son of Lip’arit’) in 1058/9 (?); again Iovane from 1073; Lip’arit’ (son of Iovane); Rat’i IV (son of Lip’arit’). A chronological gap exists between the mid-1050s (or 1058/9) and 1073, which we now believe can be filled by Rat’i III. This may also have been the period during which Vache became Eristav of Eristavs of Trialeti — likely as the son and successor of either Rat’i III or Iovane (Niania, the younger brother, died in exile in the Byzantine Empire). However, primary sources mention Lip’arit’ as Iovane’s son but not Vache. Therefore, we hypothesize that Vache Baghvashi was the son and heir of Rat’i III, who became Eristav of Eristavs of Trialeti after his father’s death between 1064 and 1073. Vache’s bulla indicates that he spent some time in the Byzantine Empire. The fine calligraphy of the Greek legend, as well as the absence of a Georgian one, suggests that the bulla was produced there. It bears no indication of an official post, implying that Vache held no formal position within the Byzantine administrative system. We conjecture that Vache resided in the Byzantine Empire before assuming authority in Trialeti. The inscription at K’ldeisi is posthumous, serving as a supplication for the repose of his soul – suggesting that Vache may have been entombed there. Notably, another inscription at K’ldeisi commemorates K’wirik’e and Sula, sons of Vache. Could they be the descendants of Vache Baghvashi, Eristav of Eristavs of Trialeti? While the location supports this hypothesis, the lack of a title in the inscription complicates the attribution. If we accept the attribution of the K’ldeisi inscription to Vache Baghvashi, we may extend this reasoning to include two additional inscriptions from the same site: a construction inscription of Iovane, Eristav of Eristavs; and a supplicatory inscription of Yovane. We attribute the former to Iovane Baghvashi, son of Lip’arit’ (and younger brother of Rat’i III), rather than to Iovane T’beli – based primarily on the title (Eristav of Eristavs). As for the latter, we question Z. Aleksidze’s recent attribution of this inscription to Iovane T’beli, primarily on paleographic grounds. However, due to the absence of a title and the use of a different grapheme for the name, the evidence remains inconclusive for a definitive attribution to Iovane Baghvashi.