Abstract

The article investigates the political, military, and rhetorical significance of sixth-century Egrisi (Lazica) amid the conflict between Iran and Byzantium and its repercussions for Georgian politics. It analyses King Gubaz II’s pre-battle speech as an early monument of Georgian military oratory, examining its patriotic rhetoric and role in motivating the army. The article then traces the political crisis following Gubaz’s murder and examines the public debate between Ayety and Partadze, reported by Agathias Scholasticus in 555. Through comparative analysis, it demonstrates that Partadze’s arguments were more coherent and persuasive, influencing the assembly’s decision to support Byzantium and thereby determining Egrisi’s political alignment with the Byzantine world rather than Iran.