Editing Demetrius I of Georgia (section)

==Early life==
Demetrius was born in 1093, the eldest son of King [[David IV|David IV of Georgia]] by his first wife, [[Rusudan (wife of David IV of Georgia)|Rusudan]],{{sfn|Toumanoff|1976|p=123}} an Armenian woman.{{sfn|Dostourian|1993|p=231}} Around 1107, David IV divorced Queen Rusudan in order to cement his [[Kipchaks in Georgia|alliance]] with the [[Kipchaks]]. He then married [[Gurandukht (wife of David IV of Georgia)|Gurandukht]], the daughter of the Kipchak chieftain [[Otrok]].{{Sfn|Rayfield|2012|p=91}}

In 1117, King David sent Demetrius on a [[punitive expedition]] to [[Shirvan]],{{Sfn|Baumer|2023|p=15}} where the young commander quickly earned a reputation for his remarkable military prowess. His forces captured Kaladzori Castle (later known as Alberd, now [[Agdash, Azerbaijan|Agdash]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hewsen |first1=Robert H. |title=The Geography of Ananias of Širak: Ašxarhac'oyc', the Long and the Short Recensions |date=1992 |publisher=Reichert |isbn=3-88226-485-3 |location=Wiesbaden |page=249}}</ref>) and returned home with captives and significant wealth, cementing Demetrius's growing fame.{{Sfn|History of Georgia|2012|p=386}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hewsen |first1=Robert H. |title=The Geography of Ananias of Širak: Ašxarhac'oyc', the Long and the Short Recensions |date=1992 |publisher=Reichert |isbn=3-88226-485-3 |location=Wiesbaden |page=249}}</ref>

The following year, Gurandukht gave birth to a son, [[Vakhtang (son of David IV of Georgia)|Vakhtang]], which threatened Demetrius' position as the heir to the throne.

On August 12, 1121, during the [[Battle of Didgori]] against the [[Seljuk Empire]], King David IV divided the Georgian army into two, with his son Demetrius leading a hidden reserve. The [[Georgians]] feigned defection, causing confusion in the enemy camp. As their leadership faltered, Demetrius launched a flanking attack, breaking the Seljuk forces. This, combined with the main assault, led to their disarray and retreat. Demetrius pursued the enemy for three days, securing a decisive victory that expanded Georgia's influence in the region.{{Sfn|Mikaberidze|2011|p=276}}

In 1125,{{Sfn|Toumanoff|1976|p=545}} According to the ''Life of King Demetre'', David IV proclaimed his son co-ruler of Georgia and crowned him with his own hands. He declared that his son Demetrius, through his wisdom, chastity, bravery, and handsome appearance, would rule Georgia successfully.{{Sfn|Baumer|2023|p=18}}