GEORGIA, in Europe (by the Russians called Grusia, by the natives Karthli), formerly a kingdom, but now included in the Russian government of Tiflis and Kutais, though the name is sometimes loosely employed to desig nate a much larger portion of the territory,pos sessed by Russia south of the Caucasus. Area, in the latter sense, about 34,000 square miles; of Georgia proper, about 15,000 square miles. The history of the Georgians first become trust worthy about the time of Alexander the Great, to whom they became subject. After Alexan der's death, in 323 ac., they gained their inde pendence under Pharnvas. The country was then governed by various dynasties of kings. Christianity was introduced toward the close of the 4th century; soon after the death of Mo hammed, numerous followers of his entered the country and compelled the inhabitants to accept Islam. In the 11th century Georgia was twice invaded by the Seljuk Turks, but regained its independence under David III (1090-1125), and in the 13th, after widespread devastation, was captured by the Mongols under Timur. The
Mongols were expelled in 1403 by George VII who committed the error of dividing it among his three sons, further subdivisions making it into 26 different principalities. In the 16th and 18th centuries Georgia was harried by the Per sians, and at the same time the Turks were con tinually making encroachments. Aga Moham med Shah in 1795 razed Tiflis to the ground, the king. Heraclius II, abandoning all resist ance and taking refuge in the mountain fast nesses. Russian influence, begun by against invasion, had been growing steadily; and in 1799 George XIII formally resigned the crown in favor of the Emperor Paul of Russia, and in 1801 Russia annexed the country. Con sult Brosset, 'Elements de la Langue Geor gienne' (1837) : Cbubinov, 'Russian-Georgian Dictionary) (1846; new ed., 1886); Leist, 'Georgische Dichter Verdeutscht' (1887); Wardrop, The Kingdom of Georgia' (1888). See GEORGIANS.