Duchy was created by King Leon III of Abkhazia (957–967).

It was first mentioned on the inscriptions in Kumurdo Cathedral.

Until 1021, the Dukes of Javakheti were members of Marushiani family.

From the 12th to 13th centuries, the Toreli family also owned estates in Tori, Lesser and Inner Kartli.

Pressured by the princes of Samtskhe of the Jaqeli dynasty in the 14th century, the Torelis were forced to move to Shida Kartli and the duchy was absorbed into Principality of Samtskhe.