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Thread: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

  1. #1
    Ritter-Floh's Avatar Artifex
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    Default [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Kartli








    Overview:
    Iberia also known as Iveria was a name given by the ancient Greeks and Romans to the ancient Georgian kingdom of Kartli (4th century BC-5th century AD) corresponding roughly to the eastern and southern parts of the present day Georgia.

    The term “Caucasian Iberia” (or Eastern Iberia) is used to distinguish it from the Iberian Peninsula, where the present day states of Spain, Andorra and Portugal are located. The Caucasian Iberians provided a basis for later Georgian statehood and formed a core of the present day Georgian people (or Kartvelians).

    The area was inhabited in earliest times by several related tribes, collectively called Iberians (the Eastern Iberians) by ancient authors. Locals called their country Kartli after a mythic chief, Kartlos.

    The Moschi mentioned by various classic historians, and their possible descendants, the Saspers (who were mentioned by Herodotus), may have played a crucial role in the consolidation of the tribes inhabiting the area. The Moschi had moved slowly to the northeast forming settlements as they migrated. The chief town of these was Mtskheta, the future capital of the Iberian kingdom. The Mtskheta tribe was later ruled by a chief locally known as Mamasakhlisi (“the father of the household” in Georgian).

    The medieval Georgian source Moktsevai Kartlisai (“Conversion of Kartli”) speak also about Azo and his people, who came from Arian-Kartli - the initial home of the proto-Iberians, which had been under Achaemenid rule until the fall of the Persian Empire - to settle on the site where Mtskheta was to be founded. Another Georgian chronicle Kartlis Tskhovreba (“History of Kartli”) claims Azo to be an officer of Alexander’s armies, who massacred a local ruling family and conquered the area, until being defeated at the end of the 4th century, BC, by Prince Pharnavaz, who was a local chief at that time.

    Pharnavaz, victorious in power struggle, became the first King of Iberia (ca. 302 - 237 BC). Driving back an invasion, he subjugated the neighbouring areas, including significant part of the western Georgian state of Colchis (locally known as Egrisi), and seems to have secured recognition of the newly founded state by the Seleucids of Syria. Pharnavaz then focused on social projects, including the construction of the citadel in the capital, the Armaztsikhe, and erection of an idol of a god named Armazi. He also reformed the Georgian written language, and created a new system of administration subdividing the country into several counties called saeristavos. His successors managed to gain control over the mountainous passes of the Caucasus Range with Daryal (also known as the Iberian Gates) being the most important of them.

    The period following this time of prosperity was marked with incessant warfare though. Iberia was forced to defend itself against numerous invasions. As a result, the country lost some of its southern provinces to Armenia, and the Colchian lands seceded to form separate princedoms (sceptuchoi). At the end of the 2nd century BC, the Pharnavazid king Farnadjom was dethroned by his own subjects and the crown given to an Armenian prince Arshak who ascended the Iberian throne in 93 BC, establishing the Arshakid dynasty.

    This close association with Armenia brought upon the country an invasion (65 BC) by the Roman general Pompey, who was then at war with both Mithradates VI of Pontus, and Tigran II of Armenia. However, Rome failed to establish its permanent power over Iberia. Nineteen years later, the Romans again marched into Iberia (36 BC) forcing King Pharnavaz II to join their campaign against Caucasian Albania.

    While another Georgian kingdom of Colchis was turned into a Roman province, Iberia accepted Roman Imperial protection. A stone inscription discovered at Mtskheta speaks of the first-century ruler Mihdrat I (A.D. 58-106) as "the friend of the Caesars" and “the King of Roman-loving Iberians." It was at that period when Emperor Vespasian fortified the ancient Mtskheta site of Arzami for the Iberian kings in 75 A.D.

    The next two centuries saw a continuation of Roman influence over the area, but by the reign of King Pharsman II (116 – 132) Iberia had regained some of its former power. Relations between the Roman Emperor Hadrian and Pharsman II were strained, though Hadrian is said to have sought to appease Pharsman. However, it was only under Hadrian's successor Antoninus Pius that relations improved to the extent that Pharsman was said to have even visited Rome, where Dio Cassius reported that a statue was erected in his honor and that rights to sacrifice were granted to him. The period brought a major change to the political status of Iberia with Rome recognizing the kingdom as an ally rather than subject state as its former status was. That political situation remained the same for quite a while, even during the period of the Empire's conflict with the Parthians.

    Decisive for the future history of Iberia was the foundation of the Sassanian Empire in 224. By replacing the weak Parthian realm with a strong, centralized state, it changed the political orientation of Iberia drifting it away from Rome. During the reign of Shapur I (241-272) Iberia became a tributary of the Sassanian state. Relations between the two countries seem to have been friendly at first as Iberia cooperated in Persian campaigns against Rome, and the Iberian king Amazasp III (260-265) was listed as a high dignitary of the Sassanian realm, not a vassal who had been subdued by force of arms. But the aggressive tendencies of the Sassanians were evident in their propagation of Zoroastrianism, which was probably established in Iberia between the 260s and 290s. However, in accordance with the Peace Teaty of Nisibis (298) Rome was acknowledged the dominant power over the whole area, but recognized Mirian III, the first of the Chosroid dynasty, as the King of Iberia. Roman[1] dominance proved crucial, since King Mirian II and leading nobles converted to Christianity around 317. The event is related with the mission of a Cappadocian woman, Saint Nino, who in the year of 303, started preaching Christianity in Iberia.

    The religion became a strong tie between Iberia (since them also known as Kartli) and Rome / Byzantine Empire and had a large-scale impact on the state's culture and society. However, after the emperor Julian was slain during his failed campaign in Persia in 363, Rome ceded control of Iberia (Kartli) to Persia, and King Varaz-Bakur I (Asphagur) (363-365) became a Persian vassal, an outcome confirmed by the Peace of Acilisene in 387. Although a later ruler of Iberia/Kartli, Pharsman IV (406-409), preserved his country's autonomy and ceased to pay tribute to Persia, Persian influence still prevailed in the region, and Sassanian kings soon began to appoint their Viceroys (pitiaxae/bidaxae) to keep watch on Iberia/Kartli. The Persians eventually made Viceroyal office hereditary in the ruling house of Lower Kartli, thus inaugurating the Kartli pitiaxate bringing under their control quite an extensive territory. Although it remained a part of the kingdom of Kartli, its viceroys turned their domain into a center of Persian influence. Sassanian rulers put the Christianity of the Georgians to a severe test. They promoted the teachings of Zoroaster, and by the middle of the 5th century, Zoroastrianism became a second official religion in eastern Georgia alongside Christianity. However, efforts to convert the common Georgian people were generally unsuccessful.

    The early reign of the Iberian king Vakhtang I also known as Gorgasali (447-502) was marked by relative revival of the kingdom. Formally vassal of the Persians, he secured the northern borders by subjugating the Caucasian mountaineers, and brought the adjacent western and southern Georgian lands under his control. He established an Autocephalic Patriarchate at Mtskheta, and made Tbilisi his capital. In 482, Vakhtang Gorgasali led a general uprising against Sassanian Persia. A desperate war for independence lasted for twenty years, but the kingdom failed to gain active Byzantine support and was finally defeated in 502 when King Vakhtang was slain in battle.


    This faction overhaul will be released with 1.2


    Units
    This faction overhaul adds 10 new units to Kartli. Here are some pictures of the new units:

    Spear Infantry
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    (Kartvelian Levy Spearmen) These men are typical of the Caucasians who emerge from their mountains to raid the more fertile lowlands. To outsiders, the hillmen are a wild savage people, but they are also skilled hunters, making them superb ambushers. Armed with spears, swords, and shields, they are a valuable addition to many forces.


    (Kartvelian Foot Guard) This kind of infantry is between the Persian kardaka, which are hoplite-like heavy bodyguards, and traditional Greek hoplites. Their clothes are those of the kardaka, and their greek-style linen armour is reinforced with bronze scales. They also bear a short sword and a 75cm to 1-meter wide aspis shield, made with wood and reinforced with bronze. They also bear a crested Urartian cone helmet. In battle, they usually stay with the king.

    Melee Infantry
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    (Kartvelian Highlanders) These Iberian mountaineers form some of the Kartvelian kingdom's most efficient medium infantry, using a combination of javelins, swords, and tabar axes.


    (Armazi Heavy Infantry)Armazi Heavy Infantry are quite similar to the Nakharar of Armenia. They are covered in scale armour and helmets, with chainmail along the neck. They fight with maces and axes, and use oval shields for defence.

    Missile Infantry
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    (Kartvelian Archers) These highland archers use their light composite bow with great efficiency: not with spectacular range but a quick rate of fire.


    (Kartvelian Slingers) Slingers are highly skilled missile troops, but are at a huge disadvantage in hand-to-hand combat, especially against cavalry. They can maintain a sustained and concentrated barrage on enemies, and then fall back rapidly to avoid hand-to-hand combat.


    (Kartvelian Skirmishers) Javelinmen are recruited chiefly from the poorer areas of their state. The poorer classes of more civilised states sometimes fight as light troops, and most of these throw javelins or stones, as they lack the specialist training to use a bow or sling. Apart from javelins, these men carry a light shield, and axes for melee combat.


    (Kartvelian Guerilla Warriors) Famous for their skills, speed, rate of fire, and accuracy, these guerrilla warrios are a nightmare for heavy troops on march. These lightly protected infantry are used to constantly harrass the enemy lines, baggage, or scouts, and can drive away enemy cavalry or eliminate light skirmishers, archers, and slingers. Up close, they fight with light axes, daggers, or short swords.

    Cavalry
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    (Kartvelian Lesser Noble Cavalry) These petty nobles, earning small properties, are well-protected, use a short kontos lance. They form the bigger part of the lancer cavalry, mounted on medium-sized horses, which can be very fast and nervous. Perfect to counter most cavalry units, they are extremely good at protecting the flanks of the army and chasing light infantry, or they can add their weight to the charge of other cavalry units.


    (Kartvelian Cataphracts) Some higher nobles are retained in the royal guard as cataphract lancers. They are kept in reserve in battle and launched at the right time, delivering an unstoppable shock to the enemy. After the charge of their heavily armoured horses and use of their long kontos lances, they enter melee combat using axes and longswords. If the first charge is not sufficient to disrupt the enemy line, lighter cavalry then charge to turn the tide of battle.


    (Kartvelian Bodyguard Cavalry) This general has a bodyguard of loyal and heavily armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field. Armed with lances, these men are superb shock cavalry, able to deliver a devastating and almost unstoppable charge; they are also equipped with sword so that they can fight effectively in continued hand-to-hand combat.
    Credits:
    -Unit research and names by Khevsur
    -Models: OSP - Open Source Project

  2. #2
    Maetharin's Avatar Senator
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    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Now that's a nice way to wake up, a new Preview!
    Looking good as always
    "Ceterum censeo Carthaginem delendam esse!"

    Marcus Porcius Cato Censorius

    "I concur!"

    ​Me

  3. #3

    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Nice preview! I can see on one of shields of cav unit an Armenian eternity sign. Did share they it somehow?
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_eternity_sign


    By the way, both Armenians and Gerorgians had and have much lighter skin tone and look more "european" than they do in this models of DEI, it's a lot of info about that. It would be good to see a change in that area if you will have a time.
    Last edited by Vardano; December 16, 2016 at 06:02 AM.

  4. #4

    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Another free faction beefed up to be interesting to play. Great work!
    Art finds her own perfection within, and not outside of herself. She is not to be judged by any external standard of resemblance. She is a veil, rather than a mirror. -Oscar Wilde

  5. #5
    FlashHeart07's Avatar Praepositus
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    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Guess the nationality of Ritter and get access to the alpha version of 1.2

  6. #6

    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Quote Originally Posted by FlashHeart07 View Post
    Guess the nationality of Ritter and get access to the alpha version of 1.2
    I know Dresden is not German and not from Dresden too But Ritter is not German?
    Offer to us at least one tip.

  7. #7

    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    What if you already have the pre-alpha version and saw someone say his nationality?

  8. #8
    Ritter-Floh's Avatar Artifex
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    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Quote Originally Posted by Vardano View Post
    Nice preview! I can see on one of shields of cav unit an Armenian eternity sign. Did share they it somehow?
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_eternity_sign


    By the way, both Armenians and Gerorgians had and have much lighter skin tone and look more "european" than they do in this models of DEI, it's a lot of info about that. It would be good to see a change in that area if you will have a time.
    running out of ideas

    there must be also lighter skins inside the units

  9. #9

    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Oh! the fake iberians

  10. #10

    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Quote Originally Posted by FlashHeart07 View Post
    Guess the nationality of Ritter and get access to the alpha version of 1.2
    Gonna call Georgian just because of the preview region

    On a more serious note, I love the artwork on these guys. Also, does the name Iberian in any way relate to the Iberians in Spain or is it just a coincidence?

  11. #11

    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Quote Originally Posted by gornoviceanu View Post
    Gonna call Georgian just because of the preview region

    On a more serious note, I love the artwork on these guys. Also, does the name Iberian in any way relate to the Iberians in Spain or is it just a coincidence?
    I believe the Greeks named the region after the Iberian peninsula because of the similarity to the topography of both areas.

  12. #12

    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Pesky Greeks reached so many places true explorers.

  13. #13

    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Is Ritter France?

  14. #14

    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    It does show the city he lives in under his forum icon.

    It is easy to figure out where he lives based on that.



    Also we do have an unusually high proportion of Germans on the DeI staff. Must explain our efficiency.

  15. #15
    FlashHeart07's Avatar Praepositus
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    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Im pretty sure we only have two germans actively modding DeI

  16. #16

    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Ritter and Litharion. Isn't Don German?

  17. #17
    Maetharin's Avatar Senator
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    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Btw, would it be possible to use those Kartvelian Foot Guard shields for second tier hellenic pikemen units?
    With a diameter of 75 cm they would fit the larger macedonian shield variant, and CA´s shields always seemed so small to me^^
    "Ceterum censeo Carthaginem delendam esse!"

    Marcus Porcius Cato Censorius

    "I concur!"

    ​Me

  18. #18
    FlashHeart07's Avatar Praepositus
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    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Quote Originally Posted by Ivan_Moscavich View Post
    Ritter and Litharion. Isn't Don German?
    Im pretty sure he isnt Though I could ofc be mistaken.

  19. #19

    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    Don is a tea man!

  20. #20
    Khevsur's Avatar Senator
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    Default Re: [Preview] The iberian kingdom of Kartli

    1. Mthielni - You made a mistake, mtielni were Like barbarians
    2.Amordzalni Were Only Woman Warriors , Amordzali= Amazons . In Kartli Pompey Fighting against the Amazons.

    Please fix mistake

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