David IV of Georgia

David IV of Georgia, known as David the Builder, was a pivotal figure in Georgian history, reigning from 1089 to 1125. At the young age of 16, he ascended to a kingdom weakened by Seljuk invasions and internal strife. David initiated significant military and administrative reforms that revitalized Georgia, enabling him to expel the Seljuk Turks and commence the Georgian Golden Age.

His reign marked a turning point with the victory at the Battle of Didgori in 1121, which drastically reduced Seljuk influence in the region and expanded Georgian control across the Caucasus. David's reforms strengthened the military and centralized administration, fostering a period of cultural and economic prosperity.

David also nurtured close ties with the Georgian Orthodox Church, enhancing its cultural and spiritual influence. His efforts in rebuilding the nation and his devout faith led to his canonization as a saint by the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Despite challenges from the declining Byzantine Empire and ongoing threats from neighboring Muslim territories, David IV managed to maintain and expand his kingdom's sovereignty, leaving a legacy that positioned Georgia as a dominant regional power in the Caucasus.