now began to claim the throne of his ancestors. Constantine II had been George VIII's uncle, and for this reason the nobility of Imereti did not initially suspect Bagrat of separatist intentions, although he was soon supported by the most powerful nobles of Western Georgia.

In addition to Samtskhe-Saatabago, Bagrat allied himself with Liparit I Dadiani, Mamia Gurieli, and the princes of Abkhazia