Rob asked

> Does anyone have any information regarding the
> development of the Kartvelian languages, in particular
> Proto-Kartvelian?

Hi Rob. I have seen it suggested that Kartvellian developed out of
an Anatolian group called the Tabal, who occupied the Taurus
Mountains after the fall of the Hittite Empire and caused difficulty
to the Assyrians (Sargon II died fighting them).

Flavius Josephus suggests these people moved northwards into the area
known as Iberia in te Roman Empire. It is suggested Tblisi preserves
the name Tabal.

Comments anyone?

Regards

John