Archil of Kakheti was an 8th-century Georgian royal prince from the eastern region of Kakheti and a member of the Chosroid dynasty. During his rule, he faced the pressures of Arab conquests in the Caucasus, which forced him and his brother to seek refuge in Abasgia. Upon returning to his lands, he worked to rebuild his territory and promote Christianity among the mountain populations. He is primarily remembered for his refusal to convert to Islam during a later invasion, an act that led to his imprisonment and eventual martyrdom.
Life and rule
As a descendant of the Iberia royal line, Archil governed during a period of significant instability. Following an expedition by Marwan ibn Muhammad, he fled westward to join local defenders against Arab forces. After returning to Kakheti, he focused on Christianizing his subjects. His reign concluded during a second invasion led by Khuzayma ibn Khazim, who offered the prince gifts to convert to Islam. Archil declined this offer, resulting in his imprisonment.
Veneration
The Georgian Orthodox Church recognizes Archil as a saint. He is commemorated annually on June 21 (or July 4 according to the New Style calendar). His story is preserved in medieval Georgian chronicles, including the Life of Kartli and a specific text titled The Martyrdom of Archil, which details his death for the faith.