Alexander II of Imereti

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Alexander II (Georgian: ალექსანდრე II) of the Bagrationi dynasty was the uncrowned King of Georgia in 1478 and later the King of Imereti from 1484 to 1510. He was the son of Bagrat VI. During Georgia’s dynastic wars, he fought his uncle Constantine II for control of the kingdom. After losses in central Georgia, Alexander retreated to the western mountains. In 1484 he recaptured Kutaisi and was crowned king of Imereti, effectively founding the independent Kingdom of Imereti.

His rule was unstable. Constantine II invaded Imereti in 1485 and again in 1487, but Alexander held on with support from western nobles. By 1490, Georgia was officially divided, and Alexander was recognized as the ruler of western Georgia. A final peace in 1491 or 1493 confirmed Imereti’s independence. Alexander worked to strengthen his realm, reduce rebellions, and manage powerful regional princes like Liparit of Mingrelia and George of Guria. He also tried to extend his influence to Abkhazia and improve royal administration, while allowing some regional autonomy.

In 1509, while Alexander led campaigns in Kartli (central Georgia), the Ottoman Empire attacked Imereti. Kutaisi and the Gelati Monastery were burned, and many people were taken as slaves. Alexander returned home but could not fully free the captives. He died on 1 April 1510 and was buried at Gelati Monastery. His son Bagrat III succeeded him.

Alexander had married Tamar in 1483, and they had several children. He supported the Abkhazian Catholicate and enriched Gelati Monastery. In 1492, he is noted for showing hospitality to Jewish refugees from Spain. He is remembered as the founder of the Kingdom of Imereti, a line that lasted until 1810, and for adopting the title King of Kings of Likht-Imer and Likht-Amier.