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santari

Why is the former Soviet state the Republic of Georgia called Georgia?

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Posted by santari on Monday August 18, 2008 at 10:04 PM and tagged with countries, georgia, history, soviet union.

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  1. ms-mcgregor Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Ironically, the people of Georgia call their land Sakartvelo. The ancient Greeks and Romans called the eastern Georgians Iberians and the western Georgians Colchrians. The name Georgia is still disputed today. Most plausible is the derivation from the name of St. George, an Christian martyr who was immortalized in the tale "St George and the Dragon." Medieval sources state that Georgians were call Georgian, because they revere and worship Saint George. In fact, the country recently adopted a five cross flag, featuring St. George's Cross. Other explanations include that the Latin word for agricultural is georgicus and under several Persian empires, the Georgians were called Gurjhan.

    Sources:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_(country)
    http://www.enotes.com/world-fact-book/georgia-gg

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    Posted by ms-mcgregor on Monday August 18, 2008 at 11:43 PM