Alans

In this episode, we trace the history of the Alans, a nomadic Iranic people who emerged from Central Asia and later established themselves in the North Caucasus after centuries of migration across Europe and North Africa. We explore their encounters with the Roman Empire, the Huns, and Germanic tribes, and examine how their mastery of mounted warfare helped shape their reputation across the ancient and medieval world. The episode also looks at the rise of the medieval Kingdom of Alania, the archaeological and written evidence for their cultural development, and the linguistic and genetic links connecting the Alans to the modern Ossetians. Finally, we consider how the Mongol invasions contributed to the fragmentation of the Alanic people, while their legacy endured through the communities and traditions that survived them.