Samtskhe-Saatabago

a principality in southern Georgia during the 13th to 17th centuries. In the 13th century, the eristavis (feudal rulers) of Samtskhe became the mtavaris (sovereign princes) of all of southern Georgia. Early in the 14th century, they assumed the title of atabagi (elder or prince)—hence the name of the principality. Samtskhe-Saatabago included Samtskhe, Adzhara, Shavsheti, Liganiskhevi, Klardzheti, Ar-taani, Dzhavakheti, Abotsi, Kola, Tao, Speri, Basiani, Kari, Karnifori, and part of Chaneti. In the beginning of the 16th century, the principality fell into vassalage to Turkey. The Turks eliminated the last vestiges of the independence of Samtskhe-Saatabago in the 1620’s.