r/Abkhazia • u/Capital-Wrongdoer-62 • 8d ago
How History is taught in Abkhazia?
In georgia we are taught that Apsua North Caucasian people came from mountains to abkhaz land in 15th- century when georgia was fractured and weak. Main argument is that Abkhaz kingdom was feudal already in 9th century while Apsua in 19th century russia are still in tribal system. And also their is no sign of etnic or language difference in abkazia before 15th- century
Just want to know what you think about it and what you are taught. And what are you arguments. Not to fight or say that i am right you are wrong.
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u/Rafsit 8d ago
The "Abazgi" were an ancient tribe and the historical inhabitants of the region known today as Abkhazia. Their name gave rise to the modern demonym "Abkhaz". They are considered ancestors of the modern Abkhaz and Abazin people and were documented by ancient Greek and Roman writers like Strabo and Pliny the Elder. The Abasgi revolted against the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century, and their territory later became part of a larger Georgian-speaking state called Abasgia.
Ancient Origins and Location
Ancient Tribe: The Abasgi (also spelled Abasgoi) were an ancient tribe inhabiting the western region of Abkhazia, north of the Apsilae.
Ancestors of Modern Peoples: They are considered the ancestors of the modern Abkhaz and Abazin people.
Writings by Ancient Authors: The Abasgi are mentioned in ancient texts, including those by the Greek historian Arrian and the Roman writer Pliny the Elder, where they are described as warlike and worshiping tree deities.
Historical Development
Revolt against the Byzantines:
In 550 AD, the Abasgi revolted against the Byzantine Empire during the Lazic War and sought assistance from the Sasanian Empire. Their revolt was suppressed by the Byzantine general Bessas.
Formation of Abasgia:
By the 6th century, their territory had shifted, and the term "Abasgia" came to denote a larger area that included various ethnic groups and was ruled by Byzantine-appointed princes.
Rise of the Kingdom of Abkhazia:
Through dynastic unions and alliances with other Georgian princes, the Abasgian dynasty expanded its territory and, by the 780s, established themselves as "kings of the Abkhazians".
Legacy
Geographic and Ethnonymic Significance:
The name "Abasgia" gave rise to the modern Georgian term "Abkhazeti" (the land of the Abkhazians), and eventually to the name "Abkhazia".
Linguistic Connection:
The Abazgi language is a branch of the Northwest Caucasian languages and forms a dialect continuum with the Abaza language, further linking these ancient peoples.