Georgian civil war of 1623–1658

The Georgian civil war of 1623–1658 (Georgian: 1623–1658 წლების ქართული სამოქალაქო ომი) was a military conflict in Western Georgia that lasted for nearly thirty-five years during the 17th century. The war pitted the principality of Mingrelia, ruled by the powerful Levan II Dadiani, against the Kingdom of Imereti, one of the three Georgian monarchies. Levan II, supported by several local nobles, sought to challenge the authority of the Bagrationi dynasty, which had ruled Georgia since the 9th century.

Although several smaller campaigns were associated with the broader conflict—such as Dadiani's invasions of Abkhazia and Guria—the war was primarily fought between Mingrelia and Imereti, ruled successively by Kings George III (until 1639) and Alexander III (until the end of the conflict).

Mingrelia's early successes drew the attention of foreign powers, notably Safavid Iran. Through a network of political alliances, a Mingrelian victory could have led to the unification of Georgia under the rule of the Safavid vassal Rostom of Kartli, who financed Dadiani's military efforts. However, the withdrawal of Safavid support, the formation of an alliance between Russia and Imereti, and the sudden death of the Mingrelian prince shifted the balance of power. The conflict ultimately concluded with a decisive Imeretian victory at the Battle of Bandza, restoring royal authority over Western Georgia.