ABSTRACT
It was doubtless for this reason that Alexander killed his father - as stated in the apologia of his own son and killer, Constantine (see text below, p. 464). He seems also to have killed an elder brother (a son of Tinatin): this would explain his reference to the revolt of his nephew Khostrov (Khosro). His half-brothers of the Shevkalline then rallied against him. Wakhusht mentions Eli Mirza~ Wakhtang and a second Khosro (Brosset, HG, Vol. n/i, pp. 153-4). Alexander adds another half-brother, Nicolaoz, the Metropolitan of our text; and a full brother Isay (Yese). They had the formidable support of the Shevkal and of Lesghian auxiliaries. On the other hand, Alexander was aided by David (Da'ud Khan) of Kartli (brother and supplanter of Simon I who was married to a sister of the princes of the Shevkalline and was at that time a prisoner in Shiraz) (cf. Commentary 27). Alexander had further support from his own father-in-law, Bardzim Amilakhori, a powerful tavadi in northern Kartli and of the Eristav of the Ksani (Ksnis-eristavi). The rival armies met at Torga: for identification see Commentary 28. Alexander was the victor and, according to Wakhusht, three of the four brothers of the ShevkaI line were later eliminated. Only Nicolaoz survived (cf. Wakhusht, above). Wakhusht gives no date for the battle but it must have taken place about 1576.
