The Battle of Ghartiskari (; ) was a minor engagement fought in October 1778 in eastern Georgia during the reign of King Heraclius II. It occurred when Lezgins attacked the escort of Ketevan Andronikashvili, a Georgian noblewoman and daughter-in-law of the king. Despite the inexperience of her escort, Andronikashvili took command and repelled the attackers, and the event was followed by a ceremonial reception in Tbilisi.
Battle In October 1778, Ketevan Andronikashvili, daughter of the mourav of Kiziki and daughter-in-law of Heraclius II through her marriage to Prince George, was traveling from Shida Kartli to Tbilisi when she was attacked near Ghartiskari by a force of 500 (or 800"Republic of Georgia" N61, 2010, Tbilisi) Lezgins.Ioseliani, Platon Life of George XIII, Iveria redaction, 1880, Part II.
She was accompanied by 300 soldiers serving as her escort. As there were no experienced soldiers among them, she took command of her troops, rallied them, and engaged the attackers. The Lezgins were defeated, and many were killed. Upon hearing the news, Heraclius II received Ketevan in Tbilisi with honors, including artillery salutes, and the city was illuminated.
References
Bibliography