Tushetians were fierce defenders of the Kingdom of Georgia. 
The Tushetians earned King Erekle’s favour after the Bakhtrioni Uprising. Legends say he granted Zezva Gaprindauli lands as far as his horse could ride, who galloped until it fell down lifeless at Alvani.
These lowlands became a winter refuge, cementing the practice of seasonal herd migration that continues to this day.