The powerful ruler of Tao and patron of culture, pivotal in uniting the Georgian lands.
985
David III Kuropalates (d. 1000/1001) was the powerful ruler of Tao, the greatest figure of the Georgian world in the late 10th century.
He helped the Byzantine emperor put down a revolt and in return enlarged his domains; under him architecture and letters flourished (Oshki, Otkhta Eklesia).
David adopted Bagrat, the future first king of a united Georgia, and with his lands prepared the country's unification.