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CHAPTERS IN THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA 93
gave his help both to Moslems and to Armenians. Under
him Georgia’s power increased as never before, and the wealth
of the country was largely augmented by the rich plunder he
constantly won in war and by the measures he took to promote
trade. The standard of culture was raised also : higher
grade schools were established, with able and well-educated
teachers. At Gelati, near Kutais, where he erected a splendid
cathedral, a monastery was founded, which soon developed
into an important centre of culture.
At this epoch there was much intercourse with Byzantium.
Several kings, including Bagrat IV (1027-1072) and David
the Renovator, married Byzantine princesses, and the daughters
of Georgian kings married Byzantine emperors and princes.
The most famous of these was Bagrat IVs daughter Martha,
who became empress under the nåme of Maria, and was the
most beautiful woman of her time.
After King David the country increased in prosperity until
it reached its climax of power and culture under Queen
Thamara (11 84-1 2 12). When she ascended the throne of the
Bagratids the frontiers of the land extended far beyond the
limits of the Georgian language, and the people were decidedly
well-to-do, thanks to the long period of settled rule. This
sagacious queen’s personal characteristics exercised a good
influence on her subjects. She was beautiful and gracious,
and must have possessed an irresistible charm. Her con
temporaries had hardly words strong enough in which to
sing her praises ; she was praised for her energy, her warlike
prowess on horseback or on foot, for her utterances, which
breathed peace, leniency, and moderation, and for her wise
answers. Without sternness or anger, calmly and without
involving herself in difficulties, she was able to manage the
most obstinate and wilful men.
She ruled her people with a mildness and humanity which
were unknown in those days. No one was condemned to be
flogged by her command, and she was still more sparing of
sterner punishments, so that she even pardoned the rebels
who rose against her at the instigation of her first husband,
whom she had repudiated. The nobles and the peasants were
alike her faithful adherents ; armies rjiarched enthusiastically
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