The Martyrdom of Saint Shushanik – The Beginning of Georgian Prose
The Martyrdom of Saint Shushanik (Tsameba Shushanikis), written in the 5th century, is widely regarded as the first known piece of Georgian literature. Authored by Jacob of Tsurtavi, this text is a foundational work in both Georgian Christian writing and early prose.
The story chronicles the spiritual journey and martyrdom of Saint Shushanik, a noblewoman who chooses to die rather than abandon her Christian faith under pressure from her pagan husband. Her unwavering devotion, strength, and moral clarity have turned this early hagiographic text into a symbol of Georgian endurance and religious conviction.
Shota Rustaveli – The Knight in the Panther’s Skin
No discussion of ancient Georgian literature would be complete without Shota Rustaveli, the 12th-century poet whose epic masterpiece, The Knight in the Panther’s Skin (Vepkhistkaosani), defines the golden age of medieval Georgian poetry.
Written during Queen Tamar’s reign—a high point in Georgia’s political and cultural history—the poem weaves a tale of love, friendship, honor, and justice. Unlike many medieval works, Rustaveli’s poem emphasizes equality between men and women, emotional intelligence, and moral courage. Its philosophical undertones and elegant structure place it alongside the world’s great literary epics such as The Divine Comedy and The Shahnameh.
The Hymns of Repentance – David the Builder’s Spiritual Legacy
Another gem of early Georgian literature is Galobani Sinanulisani (The Hymns of Repentance), attributed to King David IV the Builder, one of Georgia’s greatest monarchs and a canonized saint. Written in the 12th century, these deeply introspective psalm-like poems reflect the monarch’s spiritual depth, humility, and philosophical insight.
Blending political leadership with poetic devotion, David’s hymns provide a rare example of a ruler who left behind not only a strong kingdom, but also a lasting spiritual and literary heritage.
Why Ancient Georgian Literature Matters Today
Ancient Georgian literature is more than just a collection of historical texts—it is a testament to a nation’s soul, shaped by faith, wisdom, and resilience. These works provide insight into the earliest expressions of national identity, showcasing how literature has long served as a bridge between Georgia’s spiritual convictions and its cultural endurance.
In the next part of this series, we’ll journey into the 19th and 20th centuries—a time of national awakening, romanticism, and revolutionary voices.
