David III of Tao

David III Kuropalates ) or David III the Great, also known as David II, (c. 930s – 1000 or 1001) is a Georgian prince of the Bagratid family of Tao, a historic region in the Georgian–Armenian marchlands, from 966 until his murder in 1000.

Kuropalates is a Byzantine courtier title bestowed upon him in 978 and again in 990.

David is best known for his crucial assistance to the Byzantine Macedonian dynasty in the 976–9 civil war and his unique role in the political unification of various Georgian polities as well as his patronage of Christian culture and learning.

Between 987 and 989, David joins his friend Bardas Phokas in a revolt against the Byzantine emperor Basil II, but is defeated and agrees to cede his lands to the empire on his death.

Yet he is able to secure for his heir, Bagrat III, an opportunity to become the first ruler of a unified Georgian kingdom.

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