Gurgen I Mampali

Gurgen I Mampali (c.870-891), was a Prince of Iberia from 881 to 891, who was baptised by the monk-father Grigol Khandzteli; the oldest son of Adarnase of Tao-Klarjeti. He was also bestowed with the Byzantine "kuropalates" title, as Adarnase I, the successor David I Kuropalates, was still in his adolescence in 881, when his father was murdered by Nasra, the son of Guaram Mampali. Initially, Gurgen ruled over Zemo Tao ("Upper Tao"), including the residence of Kalmakhi, but after the victory over Nasra in 885 he could add Shavsheti and Artaani to his possessions.

Because of his marriage to a daughter of Smbat VIII Bagratuni (826-855), the presiding prince of Armenia, Gurgen was a close ally of the Armenians. However, later he became the enemy of Adarnase I, and in 911, Gurgen died fighting Adarnase and his ally Bagrat Mampali of Klarjeti. Gurgen I Mampali left two sons behind: Adarnase and Ashot Kukhi. He was buried in the Church of Opiza restored by himself.