Types of Hunting in Medieval Georgia

Abstract

In medieval Georgia, hunting was regulated by the state. The planning of a hunting session called ‘hunting campaign’ was overseen by a board of the military department. In contrast, all matters related to ‘royal hunting’ were managed by a special unit with a large staff. Initially, this unit was led by a chief royal huntsman, and later by a chief falconer, whose rights and duties were strictly defined. Two types of hunting are recognized in Georgian historiography: “state hunting” and “common hunting”. Additionally, a third type can be identified – “royal hunting”. In feudal Georgia, the term “hunting campaign” referred to large-scale hunts organized by a king or a feudal lord. The entire population capable of using weapons participated in these hunts. It closely resembled a military campaign, and kings themselves viewed hunting in this way, resulting in similar treatment of campaigns and hunts in court regulations. Participation in state hunting was seen as an expression of vassal loyalty to the lord. This duty was referred to as “campaign-hunting” in Georgia. “Royal hunting” refers to the form of hunting where the king’s hunters, under the direction of the chief huntsman, would hunt and supply the court with prey. There was a special office within the court dedicated to this task. In the 14th century, 260 houses of the king’s hunters were spread across the country, all of which were subordinate to the chief huntsman. Throughout the year, these hunters primarily resided either at the court or in special palaces arranged on the king’s designated “hunting sites”, where they were responsible for providing the court with game. “Common hunting” refers to hunting practiced by representatives of the lower classes, typically targeting small animals and birds. While this form of hunting was not prohibited, it often required obtaining a hunting “permit,” which was granted upon payment of a special hunting tax known as the “lord’s tax.”