The nobles of the Georgian realm rise against King George III in 1177 and declare Prince Demna (Demetrius), who, being a son of George III's late elder brother David V, Demna is considered by many as a legitimate pretender to the Georgian throne.

Approximately thirty thousand rebel forces under Demna's father-in-law Ioane Orbeli strengthen their positions at the citadel of Lore.

The fortress is besieged by the royal army.

Throwing himself and his followers on the mercy of his uncle, he is blinded and castrated and most of his in-laws murdered.

Demna does not survive the punishment and soon dies.

George III, to forestall any dispute after his death, appoints his daughter and heiress Tamar as heir apparent and co-ruler in 1178.

However, he will remain co-regent until his death in 1184.