Alp Arslan's invasion of Georgia (1064)

In February 1064 Alp Arslan set out from Rey and divided his army into two divisions after crossing the Aras river.^[1][2] While he marched on Georgia the armies of Malik Shah and Nizam al-Mulk captured some Byzantine fortresses.^[2]

Rulers of Aran, Shirvan and other regions also participated in this invasion. Alp Arslan arrived in Akhalkalaki. The Meskhetians put up a relentless resistance, but were defeated in an unequal battle. The population moved to the mountains. Alp Arslan demanded tribute from Georgians. Bagrat IV was ready to make some concessions to save the country, but Bagrat refused to recognize the Seljuk sovereignty and pay tribute.^[3]

• Mikaberidze, Alexander (2015). Historical Dictionary of Georgia. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. ISBN 9781442241466.