Alans

The Alans or Alani were an Iranian nomadic group among the Sarmatian people, warlike nomadic pastoralists of mixed backgrounds, who spoke an Iranian language and shared, in a broad sense, a common culture.

The 'eastern' Alans and Huns

Some of the other Alani, who remained under the rule of the Huns, were among the federates at the Battle of the Halys River, in Anatolia, 430. These 'eastern' Alans are said to be ancestors of the modern Ossetians of the Caucasus.

Related Topics:
Battle of the Halys River - Anatolia - 430 - Ossetian - Caucasus

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Those of the eastern division, though dispersed about the steppes until late medieval times, were forced by fresh invading hordes into the Caucasus, where they remain as the Ossetians. Their most famous leader was Aspar, the magister militum of the Byzantine Empire during the 460s, whereas an Alan lady of renowned beauty, Maria of Alania, became Empress by marrying Nicephorus III Botaniates in the late 11th century. They formed a network of tribal alliancess between the ninth and twelfth centuries.

Related Topics:
Medieval - Ossetians - Aspar - Magister militum - 460s - Empress - Nicephorus III - Ninth - Twelfth

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