In 1801, the Russians capitalized on the moment, and annexed the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti. The entity was then reduced to the status of a Russian region (Georgia Governorate). Though the Russian administration brought some peace, Kartli-Kakheti remained troubled.[2][3]
Rebellion
It broke out at a vulnerable spot, to the west of the Darial Pass.[1] A number of local Ossetians had complained about the grain and meat demands of Cossacks stationed in the area.[1] They were thrown into a pit.[1] The Cossacks then proceeded to punish more locals; peasants were put to forced labour, two men were killed by whip lashing, women were mistreated, and cattle was worked to death.[1]
The people of the Aragvi valley then attacked the troops of Dmitri Mikhailovich Volkonsky [ru], killing several of them.[1] They then proceeded to occupy several of the forts on the nearby main road.[1] In the summer of 1804, 4,000 Georgian and Ossetian rebels requested Prince Parnaoz to lead them.[1] On 3 August 1804, the rebels and Russian forces clashed at Lomisi; the Russian forces reportedly only escaped defeat due to the "timidity" of the Kakhetian nobles and the return of Russian General Pavel Tsitsianov, who had just unsuccessfully besieged Erivan.[1] The rebellion was eventually crushed; hundreds of highlanders were bayoneted or imprisoned.[1] It would take eight years before more anti-Russian violence erupted.[1][4] A part of the Georgian nobles participated in the 1804 Mtiuleti rebellion.[4]
