I merit i a

Formerly an independent Transcaucasian territory, now part of the government of Kutais. Its history as an independent dominion commenced from about the beginning of the 15th century, and was long marked by internal di ensions. In 1745, Solomon I. was proclaimed, but his nobles revolting shortly after, and aided by the Turks, dethroned him. Solomon applied for help to Ru ia, and in 1769, Count Todtlen, at the head of a Ru ian force, entered Emeriti a, restored the king, and drove back the Turks. The civil di ensions of this province, however, continued, and at last, in 1810, after having long acknowledged allegiance to Ru ia, it was formally incorporated in, and proclaimed a province of that empire.