In feudal Georgia, the Mtsignobartukhutsesi (Georgian: მწიგნობართუხუცესი), or Grand Chancellor, was the head of notaries and composer of documents.[clarification needed] From the beginning of the 12th century, the Grand Chancellor was the head of government, second in authority only to the king.
Following the ecclesiastic Council of Ruisi-Urbnisi of 1103, David IV separated the main authoritative institutions (internal, military and finances) and put them under direct supervision of the Mtsignobartukhutses-Chkondideli. This position was usually kept by the archbishop of Chqondidi, who united in his hands both ecclesiastical and secular powers.
After the end of the 15th century, the post lost its initial significance.[1][full citation needed]
