In 1360, after the death of his father, Bagrat v inherited the throne and, to mark his rule over western and eastern Georgia, was crowned in Kutaisi.
[2] The alliance concluded in 1385 with Tokhtamysh, Khan of the Golden Horde, led him to a protracted and heavy war with Timur, Emir of Timurid Empire.
Bagrat V desperately resisted, repeatedly personally participating in attacks on the enemy army besieging the city.
[6][7] Timur kept his promise and preserved the lives of the king, Queen Anna and Prince David, but ordered his soldiers to sack Tbilisi.
The subjects offered to crown prince George the new king, but he refused, fearing for his father's life in captivity.
[9] Believing that this time Bagrat V could not escape death, his vassal Imeretian prince Alexander proclaimed himself an independent ruler and in 1387 was crowned king of Imereti in Gelati monastery.