What do the cities of Atlanta in the United States and Tbilisi in the former Soviet Union have in common?

This classic trivia question hinges on a fascinating linguistic coincidence. The connection between these two distant cities is that one, Atlanta, serves as the capital of the American state of Georgia, while the other, Tbilisi, is the capital of the country of Georgia, located in the Caucasus region at the intersection of Europe and Asia. Though they share a name, the two places have vastly different origins.

The U.S. state of Georgia was established as the last of the thirteen British colonies in 1733 and was named in honor of Great Britain's King George II. Its capital, Atlanta, is a major cultural and economic hub in the American South, known for its significant role in the Civil Rights Movement and its bustling international airport.

The nation of Georgia, a former Soviet republic, has a rich and ancient history. While the origin of its English name is debated, a popular theory connects it to Saint George, who was adopted as the country's patron saint in the Middle Ages. Its vibrant capital, Tbilisi, is renowned for its diverse architecture, cobblestone old town, and historic sulfur baths, reflecting a long history of Persian and Russian influence.