At the turn of the 12th–13th centuries Shota Rustaveli composes the masterpiece of Georgian poetry.
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Shota Rustaveli (late 12th – early 13th century) is Georgia's greatest poet, author of the epic poem «The Knight in the Panther's Skin».
The poem, dedicated to Queen Tamar, celebrates friendship, love and chivalric valour; its heroes are Tariel, Avtandil and Nestan-Darejan.
«The Knight in the Panther's Skin» became a symbol of Georgian identity; its lines were known by heart for centuries and its manuscripts adorned with miniatures.