[January 18] Tamar, queen of Georgia

True Name: Tamar (თამარი)

Parents: George III, king of Georgia, and Burdukhan of Alania

Date of Birth: 1160

Royal House: Bagrationi

Spouse: Yuri Bogolyubsky, then David Soslan

Reign: 1184 – 1213
Predecessor: George III

Summary: Perhaps one of the greatest rulers of all Caucasia, Tamar presided over the Golden Age of Georgia, aided by the falls of both the Seljuk Empire in Persia and the Byzantine Empire. Tamar was named after the mother of the Biblical king David, from whom the Bagrationis claimed descent. Tamar became co-monarch with her father in 1178 in an attempt to preempt any question of his designated successor. 

Within the first year of her sole reign, Tamar took to husband Yuri of the Kievan 'Rus. This was to satisfy both the religious and noble factions within the government. When her religious advisor and chancellor, Michael, died, she was able to divorce Yuri, who had attempted to usurp power for himself. Yuri attempted twice to retake power in Georgia, but was finally exiled in 1191. Tamar chose David Soslan, a local prince and fourth cousin-once removed in the male line, to replace him and it is from David whom her children descend. He was much more willing to leave the political power with Tamar while taking on the role of military leader. Turmoil in the Middle East meant that Georgia could rise to heights hitherto unseen. Tamar led expeditions into Anatolia and northern Persia, claiming land never before conquered by Georgia. The successes of her predecessors meant that wealth and culture poured into Georgia and today, much of Georgia's historical art dates to this period. Tamar died suddenly, after ceding the crown to her son, in 1213. 

Date of Death: 18 January 1213

Successor: George IV

Other Monarchs Who Died Today:

• Leo I, emperor of Rome (474)
• Peter I, king of Portugal (1367)
• Go-Hanazono, emperor of Japan (1471)