Alania was a meieval kingdom of the Alans (proto-Ossetes) that flourished in the Northern Caucasus, roughly in the location of latter-day Circassia and modern North Ossetia-Alania, from the 8th or 9th century until its destruction by the Mongol invasion in 1238-39. Its capital was Maghas, and it controlled a vital trade route through the Darial Pass.