Battle of Botora

The Battle of Botora was fought between the armies of the Kingdom of Georgia and the Seljuk Empire on February 14, 1120.

Background

In 1116 David IV suddenly attacked and destroyed the Turks at the Battle of Tao. In 1118 David IV destroyed the Turks encamped on the banks of the Aras at the Battle of Rakhsi.

Battle

King David IV used to go to Abkhazia and the Turks wintered near the banks of the Kura (South [Caucasus river)|Mtkvari]. The Turks had been watching David IV and were following his tracks. David IV went to Geguti and from there to Khupati and thus gave the Turks the confidence to return. Learning that he was away, they camped at Botora. The Turks were many and they set up camps to spend the winter. On February 14, David IV suddenly attacked the Turks and completely destroyed them. Only a few of them managed to get on their horses and flee. In the battle the Georgians captured many Turks and took much booty.

Aftermath

In 1120 David IV destroyed the Turks camps in Arsharunik and Sevgelamej, and in he did the same in Khunan and Barda. In all these episodes, the enemy camp was destroyed, meaning that the Georgia army managed to secretly approach it and perform a surprise attack.