The first traces of stay of the primitive person in territory of Georgia concern an average paleolith. In early eneolite in the east of Georgia there was a large centre of agriculture. The most ancient monuments of a bronze age in area Ahaltsihi have appeared apprx. 5000 years ago. In the middle of a bronze age in area Trialeti there was the largest cultural centre. In the end of a bronze age (apprx. 3000 years ago) have extended kurgannye cultures with which migration from the south of the Protogeorgian tribes (diauhi, tabali, mushi and kolhi) is connected. They were able plavit iron and to process metal, and their feats have received reflexion in the Greek myths about the Gold fleece and prometee. Under stories of Greeks, these symbols of riches and knowledge were on caucasus. The assyrians who intruded to caucasus and have pushed aside drevnegruzinskie tribes on the north, reigned in 8–7 centuries B.C. Gerodot has noticed, that Assyrian tsar Sargon II has moved to Colchis with a part of the Israeli population which it has removed from Palestin in 722 B.C. the West Georgian Kolhidsky kingdom was generated approximately in 6 centuries B.C., and east Kartlijsky (Iberijsky) kingdom – in 4 centuries B.C. Both of them had political and economic ties with Greeks, Ahemenidsky and Parfjansky the states. According to instructions Strabona and Plinija the Senior, both states prospered. Since 4 centuries B.C. Georgians name themselves kartveli, and the country Sakartvelo («the earth kartveltsev»).
In 1 centuries B.C. the Roman legions under command pompeja Great have established the power of Romans in Colchis and have compelled Kartli to sign dogovory with Rome. Approximately during 330 our era in Kartli the Christianity has been entered, in the Western Georgia and Abkhazia – in 6 centuries In 523 Kartlijsky kingdom has been won Sasanidami, during 562 our era the Kolhidsky kingdom has been attached to the Byzantian empire. In the beginning of 7 centuries Byzantium has established the power and over Kartli. From the middle 7 for 9 centuries the significant part of the Georgian earths has been seized by Arabs. In territory of Georgia some feudal states were formed: the Abkhazian kingdom in the west (switched on Abkhazia and the Western Georgia), Tao-Klardzhetsky in the south, Kaheti and Ereti in the east, Kartlijsky in the central part.
The Middle Ages. In the end of 10 centuries tsar Bagrat III has united east and western parts of Georgia in the uniform state (its descendants Bagratidy corrected in Georgia to 1801). Definitively monarchy and incorporated Georgia become stronger at David IV Builder (rules in 1089–1125) and its grand daughter to tsarina Tamara (rules in 1184–1213). 12 century became "Golden Age" of cultural and political development of the country. It was the epoch of prosperity of large Georgian academies in Gelati and Ikalto, at this time was showed the bright talent of poet Shota Rustaveli (devoted to tsarina Tamara an epic poem the Hero in tigrovoj to a skin), was created by goldsmiths Beka and Beshken Opizari. The set of temples has been constructed. The Georgian soldiers participated in crusades, and scientists of Georgia were known in monasteries of Palestin and Greece. To the beginning of 13 centuries the Georgian kingdom stretched from Black to Caspian sea, became one of the most powerful states of region and had commercial relations with Europe and the East. The period of its greatness has ended in 13 century when mongolo-Tatars have intruded in the country. Especially it has suffered from invasion of armies of Timur at the very beginning of 15 centuries the Georgian tsars and aristocracy could not save integrity of the country, except for the short period of board of George of V Brilliant (1314–1346). After falling to 1453 Constantinoples Georgia has been cut off from the Christian world, subsequently has undergone to Turkish and Persian gains. Even at such great tsars, as Vakhtang VI (1703–1712 and 1719–1724) and Irakly II (1744–1798), the country was unable be protected from attacks of mountain tribes from the north and Moslems from the south.
The Russian board. In 1783 Irakly II has concluded with Russian empress Catherine II the agreement (the Georgievsky treatise) according to which Russia has established protectorate over the Kartlijsko-Kahetinsky kingdom. In 1801 Russia cancelled the agreement and has switched on in structure of Russia East Georgia. Shortly before it, in 1800, the last tsar from Bagration's dynasty – George XII Kartlijsko-Kahetinsky has died. The western Georgia throughout 1803–1864 has been in parts switched on in structure of Russian empire. Especially this process was promoted by victories of Russia in Russian-Persian (1804–1813 and 1826–1828) and Russian-Turkish (1806–1812 and 1828–1829) wars. Periodically flashing Antirussian revolts fast and severely choked.
In 19 centuries there were big changes in a public and political life of Georgia. Strong influence on formation of the Georgian nation was rendered by serfdom cancellation, growth of cities, system development of education and industry development. Tbilisi (Tiflis) became administrative and shopping centre of all caucasus. In 1872 the railway communication between seaport poti and Tiflisom has been opened. Communication with the Black Sea ports was adjusted. By rail peasants came to cities for job hunting.
To 1905 Georgian section of the Russian social democratic workers' party (RSDRP) it has appeared the strongest socialist organisation in Russian empire. After RSDRP in 1903 has broken up to fractions of Bolsheviks and menshevikov, the majority Georgian marksistov have adjoined Menshevist fraction. After overthrow of imperial autocracy in 1917 power has passed to Provisional government of Russia and the Georgian advices in which prevailed mensheviki. Soon after resignation of Provisional government the power in Georgia have seized mensheviki. After the short period of federalism with the next Armenia and Azerbaijan the Georgian government led by menshevikami 1918 declared on May, 26th independence of the country. From the consent menshevikov in June 1918 Georgia was occupied by the German and Turkish armies; in December they were replaced with the British armies which remained here till July 1920. In February 1921 Bolsheviks have lifted armed revolt and by means of Red Army have dethroned the Menshevist government.
The Soviet period. In 1921 Georgia became the Soviet republic, and in December 1922 it has been switched on in structure of the Transcaucasian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic (ZSFSR) as parts of the USSR (it is formed on December, 30th 1922). In 1936 ZSFSR it has been abolished, and Georgia became one of union republics USSR. Hopes of a political autonomy of Georgia have been destroyed I.V.Stalina's by policy. For the purpose Stalin in 1931 has nominated liquidations of opposition as the first secretary of Communist party of Georgia L.P.Beriju who held this post to 1938. At Berii collectivisation in a countryside was carried out especially severely, in the course of mass cleanings were lost ten thousand people (party active workers, intelligency, experts and all who was suspected of discontent with a Stalin mode). In 1944 approximately 100 thousand meshetintsev (the mixed group of Georgians-Moslems and a Turk) have been deported from Southern Georgia to Central Asia.
At N.S.Hrushcheve Georgia has received бoльшую independence in management of economy and a cultural life.
In 1970th years in Georgia there was a movement of dissidents led by Zviadom Gamsahurdia and Merabom Kostava. The rate on the reorganisation, M.S.Gorbachevym proclaimed in the late eighties, has led to fast change of leaders of communist party of Georgia. In September 1990 the informal parliament competing with active, which has been selected was called as the National Congress (in elections participated more than half of electorate). In him members of the National consignment of independence led by Irakliem TSereteli and National-democratic party led by George Chanturija (till January 1992 National congress played a role vneparlamentskoj oppositions to the Supreme body and president Gamsahaurdia) prevailed.
On multi-party elections in the Supreme body of Georgia on October, 28th 1990 coalition Zviada Gamsahurdia «has won the Round table – Free Georgia». For this block 54 % of voters have voted, and it has received 155 of 250 places in parliament. The communist party of Georgia has won 30 % of voices (64 places). The Vsegruzinsky union of the national consent and revival has typed 3,4 % of voices and has not received any place in parliament. By the chairman of the Supreme body in November 1990 has been selected Gamsahurdia. Gamsahurdia has proclaimed a rate on the unitary state without autonomies. With such policy be not agreed abhazy and inhabitants of South Ossetia. On September, 20th 1990 South Ossetia regional council has proclaimed the South Ossetia Soviet Democratic Republic, and on October, 26th has confirmed its constitution. At the first meeting on December, 11th the Supreme body of Georgia has made the decision on liquidation of an autonomy of South Ossetia, declared illegal call-up the Georgian in the Soviet armed forces and has founded independent National guards.
In March 1991 Georgian government has refused to hold in territory of the country a referendum about the future USSR and instead has held a referendum about independence of Georgia. 95 % of electorate have participated in a referendum, 93 % voting have supported declaration of independence. On April, 9th 1991 Supreme body has accepted the Certificate about restoration of the state independence of Georgia and recognised as valid the Certificate about independence 1918 and the Constitution 1921.
Independent Georgia. In the end of April 1991 Supreme body of Georgia has accepted the new constitution and has selected Zviada Gamsahurdia on a post of the president. On direct presidential elections on May, 26th Gamsahurdia has received almost 87 % of voices. However in December 1991 struggle between supporters of the president and opposition which the National guards have adjoined was developed. After several weeks of fights in the central part of Tbilisi in January 1992 Gamsahurdia has been displaced from the post and ran from the country. To the power the Military council led by Tengizom Kitovani has come. In March 1992 Military council declared self-dissolution and creation of the Council of state consisting approximately from 70 representatives of 36 opposition parties. E.A.Shevardnadze became the chairman of the Council of state.
In July 1992 SHevardnadze has terminated 18-month's war with South Ossetia on which territory the Mixed forces on maintenance of the world as a part of the Russian, Georgian and Osset battalions have been entered. However 1992 war which has suddenly flashed in August with abhazami to stop it was not possible. In October 1992 elections in new parliament have taken place. Its chairman had been selected SHevardnadze, the received 96 % of voices of voters. The office nominated SHevardnadze in the end of 1992, reflected balance of political forces of new parliament. Parliamentary fractions have soon united in a majority group, i.e. supporters SHevardnadze, and oppositional group of opponents SHevardnadze. The majority has united in a wide coalition the Union of citizens of Georgia led by Zurab Zhvanija. Opposition "Charter-91" and Company Ili Chavchavadze have headed the Popular front, National-democratic party. The Vsegruzinsky union of revival represented political forces Adzharii to Tbilisi. New political parties were generated: the Christian Democrat union led by Irakliem SHengelaja, the Democratic Georgian union (Avtandil Margiani), the Consignment of national independence (Irakly TSereteli), the Consignment of the Georgian monarchists (Timur Zhorzholiani) and Incorporated communist party of Georgia (Pantelejmon georgadze). Supporters Gamsahurdia right after its discharges have developed guerrilla struggle. During 1992–1993 they undertook attacks on chiefs of the state and economic units of strategic significance. In the autumn 1993 Gamsahurdia has tried to return to the power, having begun short, but a fierce civil war. In January 1994 Gamsahurdia has been killed under obscure circumstances. Parliamentary elections in November 1995 have been spent on the basis of the mixed system under party lists and one-mandatory districts. In parliament have been presented 10 consignments which have broken a 5 percent barrier, but three were the most influential: The union of citizens of Georgia, National-democratic party and the Vsegruzinsky union of revival.
After 1995 Georgia has entered a stabilisation strip. Significant progress managed to achieve at negotiations on the osetinsko-Georgian conflict. The Georgian parliament spends economic reforms in cooperation with IMF and the World bank and does the rate on restoration of the Ancient silk way – the Euroasian corridor, using a geographical position of Georgia as bridge for transit of the goods between Europe and Asia.
Now in Abkhazia the Russian peacemakers and UN observers are placed. Recently to Galsky area have returned 20 thousand refugees. With 1996 in South Ossetia and Abkhazia was not large-scale armed conflicts.
On the parliamentary elections 1999 which have passed in two rounds, on October, 31st and on November, 14th, a 7 percent barrier three consignments have overcome: the Union of citizens of Georgia, the block «Revival of Georgia» and the block «the Industry will rescue Georgia». Besides, the parliament structure included 12 deputies from Abkhazia and 17 independent deputies. In 2000 SHevarnadze has been selected for the next five years' term by the president of the country. In the country party in power SGG opposition to what the convincing victory on local elections 2002 Labour parties of Georgia testifies, block «National movement – Democratic front» and consignments «New right» gains in strength.
Crisis of administration Shevardnadze and its overthrow. After 2000 position of president Shevardnadze steadily worsened. The external debt of Georgia by July 2003 has grown to 1,75 billion dollarovssha, the state has appeared on the verge of insolvency. The country achieved debt payment delay to foreign creditors from «the Parisian club» twice, and after attempt failure to spend through parliament in August of 2003 decisions on radical reduction of budget gap of IMF declared freezing of the further help of Georgia. The chronic financial crisis, a mass unemployment, growth of poverty and an inefficient levy machinery called the increasing discontent among the population. Apprx. 52 % of inhabitants of the country lived below poverty level. Simultaneously a high level corruption has reached. Emigration (about 1991 country has left 950 thousand persons, which 600 thousand have left to Russia) grew. The number of internal refugees reached almost 300 thousand Opposition and the international organisations accused the government of infringements of rights of the person, prosecution of opponents of a mode and national minorities, and also in significant infringements during local elections 2002.
The country was shaken by numerous politiko-ethnic problems. SHevardnadze it was not possible to achieve returning of Abkhazia and the South Ossetia which has declared branch from Georgia. In Adzharii and Samchho-Dzhavahetii all were more loudly distributed requests about an autonomy.
In the field of foreign policy SHevardnadze tried to keep balance between the USA and Russia, but at it it was received all worse. In relations with Russia intensity because of war in the Chechen Republic and positions in Abkhazia accrued. The Russian authorities accused the Georgian management of concealment of the Chechen separatists and threatened to strike blow to «bases of terrorists» in the Georgian territory, in gorge Pankisi. Aspiring to counterbalance the Russian influence, SHevardnadze has addressed to the USA with the request to expand granting military and an eaid, has signed the agreement on strategic partnership from NATO and declared aspiration of Georgia to become a member of NATO and European union. It has authorised for a structure is strategic the important oil pipeline for the USA «Baku – Tbilisi-Dzhejhan» through the Georgian territory. To 2002 USA have directed hundreds special military men for rendering assistance of the Georgian army in «antiterrorist operations» to gorge Pankisi.
Rapprochement from the USA has called the further deterioration of relations with Russia. The American politicians also all in bolshej degrees were dissatisfied with administration Shevardnadze. In the spring 2003 State department in Washington has warned, that financial aid of Georgia can be reduced, and the country is carried to a category of the states which are not spending "necessary" economic and political reforms. In 2003 president Shevardnadze it has appeared in political isolation. The ruling block (the Union of citizens of Georgia) has started to break up. Opposition has headed the chairman of parliament Nino Burdzhanadze which since April 2003 openly accused the government of realisation of a dictatorial policy and corruption. In August the block from it was entered by the former leader of the Union of citizens of Georgia Zurab Zhvanija. They have formed a coalition «Burdzhanadze – Democrats». Against SHevardnadze the right National movement led by Michael Saakashvili has resolutely acted.
On November, 2nd 2003 in the country parliamentary elections have been spent. The authorities declared a victory of the governmental list «For New Georgia», the typed 21 % of voices. According to official data, 19 % of voices have got to the Union of the democratic revival, headed by the head of the government independent Adzharii Aslan Abashidze as whom considered as the politician close to Russia. Saakashvili's list has typed 19 %, and list Burdzhanadze and ZHvanija – 9 % of voices.
The opposition has refused to recognise results of elections, having accused the government in a juggling of their results. It has organised mass demonstrations in streets Tbilisi which have received the name «revolutions of roses». To the party of oppositional politicians have passed power structures, adherents of opposition have taken a house of parliament. After fortnight opposition SHevardnadze has been compelled to declare the resignation on November, 23rd. By the time president of Georgia it has been proclaimed Burdzhanadze, results of parliamentary elections – are cancelled (except results on 75 one-mandatory districts).
On January, 4th 2004 in the country a preschedule presidential election has been held. The candidate of camp of winners – the party leader Incorporated national movement Michael Saakashvili has collected 96,3 % of voices, its opponent Taimuraz Shashiashvili – only 1,9 %. Adzharija boycotted elections. Having entered to a post of the president, Saakashvili has nominated as prime minister Zurab Zhvanija.
Power consolidation became the first problem of a new mode. On March, 28th 2004 new election on 150 parliamentary places selected proportional voting have been spent. 67 % of voices and 135 places the ruling grouping «has won Incorporated movement – Democrats», 15 mandates remained on a share of "the Right opposition» (the block «New right» and conservative party «the Industry will rescue Georgia»). Oppositional forces (the Union of democratic revival, labourites, supporters Gamsahurdia, national democrats, traditsionalisty, etc.) have not received any place. They sharply criticised education of the progovernmental parliament which have characterised as a way to an one-party system.
Leader Adzharii Abashidze refused to recognise the new power in Tbilisi, and Saakashvili has strengthened pressing autonomous republic. In reply to movement of governmental Georgian armies Adzharija has closed three bridges through the river Choloki, connecting region with other territory of Georgia. Simultaneously the government of Georgia has supported adzharskim to oppositionists who have organised mass demonstrations in Batumi against the head of an autonomy. After short resistance and Russian pressure Abashidze has been compelled to run on May, 5th from Georgia; Adzharija was subject to the central Georgian power.
Saakashvili's attempts to achieve returning of the broken away regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2004 have led to strain of relations with Russia. In territory of South Ossetia there were armed conflicts between the Georgian and jugo-Osset forces; items of the Russian peace-keeping force have undergone to bombardment. The government of Georgia has required a conclusion of the Russian forces from Abkhazia, threatening with power actions against rebellious republic and tourists visiting it. In the beginning 2005 parliament of Georgia has required evacuation of the Russian military bases in the Georgian territory. In foreign policy Saakashvili's administration is guided by the USA and NATO. The government declared intention to spend economic reforms in cooperation with IMF and the World bank.
On February, 3rd 2005 prime minister Zhvanija was lost as a result of a poisoning with household gas. By the new head of the government former Minister of Finance Zurab Nogaideli has been nominated.
