House of Shavliani

Originating in Abkhazia, the Shavliani Dynasty was a group of Egrisian lords who became so powerful that they even faced off against the royal dynasty. They usurped power after George I died, installing John Shavliani as king until his death, when his heir Adarnase succeeded him. During Adarnase's reign, Megrelian nobles and Byzantines who remained faithful to Bagrat I wished to overthrow Adarnase in his conflicts against the Armenians. But after Adarnase lost the Battle of Kutais, the dynasty withdrew to Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, where they took on new surnames to avoid being persecuted. Adarnase died as a result. Inscriptions found in local churches attest to the affection the people of Khoni had for the rulers, who owned estates in the Khoni Municipality's Nakhakhulevi and Kukhi.



Background
The Shavliani Dynasty (Georgian: შავლიანის დინასტია) was a feudal family in Abkhazia, of Egrisian origin specifically Svan. Prior to claiming the throne of Abkhazia, the clan was one of the most primary feudals in Abkhazia, even competing with the royal dynasty. Only two Shavlianis are known to ever claim the throne of Abkhazia (871-893) who were regarded as "usurpers", that being, John of Abkhazia and Adarnase of Abkhazia, son of John.

Rise to power
Following the death of George I of Abkhazia, the Shavliani family took advantage of the widowed queen and expelled the heir of George's throne, Bagrat I of Abkhazia via drowning attempt. John Shavliani seized the throne for two years until his death, hence his heir Adarnase of Abkhazia would acquire the throne.

During rule
Adarnase assisted the Chief of Javakheti, Nasra Gvaramisdze in the conflict against Armenians, who were persecuting Nasra for the murder of Davit Bagrationi. Adarnase assisted the Chief of Javakheti, Nasra Gvaramisdze in the conflict against Armenians, who were persecuting Nasra for the murder of Davit Bagrationi. With the support of Megrelian Nobles and Byzantines controlled by Bagrat I of Abkhazia. The final confrontation occurred in Battle of Kutais, where Bagrat would direct his army to occupy Kutais. Adarnase's forces would lose, with Adarnase dying in battle as well.

After the loss
As a result, members of the Shavliani dynasty fled to the region of Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti in Georgia to escape persecution and maintain their safety. In order to conceal their true identity and avoid further persecution, the Shavliani family modified their surnames to variations such as Shavladze, Shavlidze, and Shavlayadze. This name change aimed to protect their lineage and avoid recognition as members of the Shavliani dynasty.

Additional information
The people of Khoni had a fondness for the two rulers, which is confirmed by the inscriptions of the church in the area, with statements written such as "St. George, have mercy on Iovane" or "St. George have mercy on Erismtavari Adarnase." The rulers held estates in Nakhakhulevi and Kukhi, which are both villages located in the Khoni Municipality.