Doctor of Philology and Theology
Head of Research Center, History, Source Studies, Archaeology
Georgian Patriarchate
Tbilisi, Georgia
mamukacuxishvili@gmail.com

The First Georgian Christian Martyrs

The aim of this paper is to present historical facts regarding the first Georgian Christian martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the true faith. The persecution of Christians extended beyond the Roman Empire — it also affected the countries where the apostles preached, including ancient Iberia-Colchis (Georgia).

The persecution was particularly severe in Roman provinces; however, historians and early-century researchers believe that the process was so extensive that its traces and brutality were felt for centuries. The first Georgian Christian martyrs are known as the Mesukaveli Georgians, who suffered under the court of the Albanian king. It is recorded that 18 (some sources mention 19) Christians sacrificed themselves for the faith and entered the history of Christianity with the martyr’s crown. This paper presents newly discovered evidence that provides significant insights into these events.

Keywords: First Georgian martyrs; Christianity; persecution; Iberia-Colchis; early Christianity