Alania

Alania was a state in Caucasus (Middle East) that lasted from c. 900 to 1239 CE, about 339 years. Its people spoke Iranian languages (Median, Persian, Parthian, Scythian, Sogdian, Pashto, Kurdish).

Christian kingdom of the Iranian-speaking Alans in the North Caucasus, tied by marriage to Georgia and Byzantium. The Mongols took Maghas in 1239. The Ossetians descend from its people.

See Alania on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: c. 900 to 1239 CE
Duration: 339 years
Type: State
Region: Caucasus, Middle East
Language family: Iranian
Capital: Maghas

Events in Middle East during its time

1071 Battle of Manzikert
1099 Crusaders take Jerusalem
1187 Battle of Hattin

Neighbours in Middle East

Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE
Abbasid Caliphate 750 to 1258 CE
Great Seljuk Empire 1037 to 1194 CE
Zaydi Imamate of Yemen 897 to 1918 CE
Kingdom of Georgia 1008 to 1490 CE
Khazar Khaganate c. 650 to 969 CE
Sultanate of Rum 1077 to 1308 CE
Kingdom of Jerusalem 1099 to 1291 CE
Bagratid Armenia 885 to 1045 CE
Khwarazmian Empire 1077 to 1231 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Republic of Venice c. 697 to 1797 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Europe
Swahili city-states c. 800 to 1700 CE, Central and Southern Africa
Ghana Empire (Wagadu) c. 300 to 1200 CE, North and West Africa
Holy Roman Empire 962 to 1806 CE, Europe
Kingdom of Aksum c. 100 to 940 CE, North and West Africa
Srivijaya c. 650 to 1377 CE, Southeast Asia
Khmer Empire 802 to 1431 CE, Southeast Asia
Tiwanaku c. 400 to 1000 CE, South America
Mali Empire c. 1235 to 1670 CE, North and West Africa

Questions

When did Alania exist?

c. 900 to 1239 CE, about 339 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was Alania?

Caucasus, in Middle East. Its capital was Maghas.

What language did Alania speak?

Iranian. This family includes Median, Persian, Parthian, Scythian, Sogdian, Pashto, Kurdish.