The Origin of Georgia: Country Name and Cultural Misconceptions
The question of why the country of Georgia shares a name with a U.S. state has been a recurring point of confusion, enhancing a cultural misconception about the etymology of the country's name. This article delves into the true history of the Georgian nation and its connection to its namesake.
In reality, the connection between the country of Georgia and the U.S. state of Georgia is purely coincidental. The name 'Georgia' for the U.S. state was derived in honor of King George II of Great Britain, as the state was established in the 18th century. While both regions share the name 'Georgia,' their origins and historical context are quite distinct.
The True Name and History of Georgia
The real name of the country is Sakartvelo, which literally translates to 'land of the Kartvelians,' the indigenous people who have lived there for centuries. The term 'Kartvelians' refers to the ethnic group that is the majority population in Georgia and has a long and complex history. Historically, the name 'Georgia' derives from the nickname 'Gorgasali' or 'Gorga-sari' bestowed upon a medieval king, Gorgasali, by the Persians.
Persian Influence on the Name
The name 'Gorgasali' is believed to have roots in Persian, where Gorga-sari translates to 'Wolf-Head.' This nickname was given to the Christian King of Iberia, also known as Georgia, because Saint Christopher, a famous Christian martyr, was often called 'Wolf-Head' by the Persians in early medieval times. Saint Christopher is said to have been crucified with his face facing the role and a wolf's head, hence the moniker.
The Persians used this term as a metaphor to refer to this Christian king due to his status and the cultural context of the time, rather than any literal attachment to wolves or a specific lion helmet. It should be noted that the tradition of wearing animal heads was more prominent in North Africa and not in Georgia. Additionally, there is no evidence to support the claim that Georgia was more populated with wolves than any other country.
Challenges in Historical Interpretation
A considerable part of the confusion stems from the efforts to rewrite history. In the Soviet era, Georgian scientists attempted to strip Christian elements from the country's rich and complex history. They aimed to discredit figures like King Gorgasali, and one of their hypotheses was that the king wore a wolf's head on his helmet, which is entirely unfounded and lacks supporting evidence. This kind of revisionism disregards the wealth of historical records available in multiple languages and contexts, including Armenian, Greek, Roman, Arabian, and Persian chronicles.
The Georgian Name in a Broader Context
The name 'Georgia' also has linguistic roots that extend beyond Persia and into Greek geography. The name is derived from the Greek word γ?-γεωργ?α (gē-geōrgía) meaning 'land of the ploughmen.' Similarly, the term 'Italy' is derived from the Greek word ιταλοι (italoi), meaning the 'land of cattle.' This demonstrates the influence of Greek on the naming of regions and places across the ancient world.
Conclusion
The country of Georgia is a thousand years old and has a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Its name 'Georgia' is a linguistic and cultural phenomenon with historical roots that have nothing to do with modern-day geopolitics. Misconceptions arise when historical narratives are distorted or when facts are misrepresented for political or ideological reasons. Understanding the true history of the country can help dispel these misconceptions and foster a greater appreciation of its cultural and historical significance.