DAVID III

David III (994-1001). David belonged to the genus Bagration of Tao. From the Georgian public figures II half of the X century it was the very strong, energetic and intelligent politician. Nominally, the supreme ruler of the Tao-Klarjeti was Bagrat II, who held the title of king, but in reality the very strong was his cousin, David
. In the year 975 David planted in Kartli governor of his adopted son Bagrat III.

. In the year 976 in Asia Minor Vizantiiskoy Empire Vostan nobleman, military leader and kurapalat Ward Skleros
. To suppress the revolt was sent by Varda Foca, but the forces were insufficient. In this situation, the Byzantine authorities were forced to turn to David. And David sent to Byzantium 12 thousand horsemen under the leadership Tornike and Dzhodzhiki.Varda Skleros was crushed. For their assistance Emperor Vasili II bestowed the title of David kurapalata and land in a life possession. after the death of David, the land once again became the property of Byzantium. Such a condition was unacceptable for David, as he bestowed the land tried to add to his possessions, then to pass them Bagrat III. Perhaps that's why David took the side Bardas insurgent against the Emperor Phocas in 989. In all likelihood, Fock promised to convey the land bestowed a hereditary property. But Fok was defeated and killed on the battlefield. The emperor sent an army against David kurapalata. Seeing no way out of this situation, David wrote his will, according to which after his death, leaving ownership of Byzantium. Apparently, he wanted to win time, hoping that in future the situation may izmentsya in its crawling. Write a will, David has maintained its position and the Emperor Vasili did not start hostilities.

In 990 by David took the city Manazkert and defeated a coalition army musulmanskih emirs. During the reign of David was built churches Oshki, Khakhulia, Parkhaev. V1001 year David died, possibly poisoned by the Byzantines.