Vainakh Principality (Second Unification of Georgia)

Principality of Vainakhia - was established in 1653 by Vainakh Chieftain Iacob Iacobid (Known as Yacub bin ha'mid before his conversion to Christianity.)

Establishment
In 1640s and 1650s Vainakh lands were devastated by Alan and Avar Raiders. Desperate Vainakh Chiefs decided to unite their chiefdoms into one state. Yaqub bin Ha'mid was elected as a Grand Chief in 1653. He traveled to Tbilisi to negotiate an alliance with Georgians. Negotiations were successful, and Yaqub was confirmed as Sole leader of Vainakhia. Yaqub converted to Christianity and change his name to Iacob (Georgian version of Jacob). Alexander sent him back to Vainakhia with 1,000 men army.

Caucasian War
Iacob repelled 2 Alan incursions before pushing them back into their homeland. In 1654, Large Georgian Army Attacked Kabardins and chased them into Alania. Kabardins and alans got encircled by Georgians and Vainakhs. A Bloody Battle ensued which ended in Decisive Georgian-Vainakh Victory. A year later, Iacob led an offensive against Avars and Laks, making them his tributaries.

Later Development
A civil war broke after Iacob's death between his brother and reactionary chiefs who opposed Georgian Influence at royal court. Rebellion was put down with Georgian assistance. Tribalism was soon replaced with Feudalism, and new capital was constructed on the banks of Assa river, named after the river.