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This is the first archeological, iconographical and hagiological study, based on the unpublished archaeological research findings, that attempts to measure the importance of the Georgian environment for the genesis of this theme and for a broad understanding of the cult and iconography of holy rider, widespread later not only in Georgia but on in the whole Byzantine world. It presents the 6th to 11th century Georgian art from a broad perspective, regarding the country as a one of the major component of the Late Antique and Early Medieval civilizations settled between Christian and Islamic worlds. Placing Georgian artistic production in a broader international context, this research, founded on archaeological evidence from different cultural areas will examine questions about the intercultural relationships and influences that converged in this one country, revealing its links to neighboring cultures.

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