Guria is a small region in western Georgia on the coast of the Black Sea.
Evidence of human habitation in Guria dates back to the Lower Paleolithic period (two and a half million years ago).
In antiquity, Guria was part of the Kingdom of Colchis, and after its collapse, it became part of the state of Egrisi, initially a vassal of the Roman Empire (in the II-III centuries, Roman garrisons were stationed in Lazica).
At that time, Guria was a major source of iron, copper, and gold.
The name “Guria” first appears in the VIII-IX centuries.
In the second half of the XV century, after the disintegration of the unified Georgian state, the Principality of Guria was formed, with its authority extending into Adjara.
From the late XVI century, the Turks began advancing from the south, gradually conquering the southern territories of the Principality of Guria.
In 1723, the Gurieli princes definitively lost Batumi.
Turkish raids led to depopulation, and by 1770 only 5–6 thousand families remained in the principality.
To protect his domains, on June 19, 1810, Mamia V Gurieli (1803–1826) secured the support of Russia, while retaining civil authority.
The independent Principality of Guria lasted until 1829.