Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which invading peoples entered Caucasia before the 14th century?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Snow-covered peaks and ridges of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia stretch across the landscape under a pale sky. — Caucasus Caucasus Mountains in Russia.

The Caucasus region has historically served as a vital gateway for migration and a buffer zone between rival empires, leading to successive waves of invading peoples before the 14th century.12

According to historical records, the following groups entered or invaded the Caucasus prior to the 14th century:

Scythians: Nomadic people who migrated into the region and displaced the Cimmerians.32
Alani: An Iranian-speaking nomadic people who were later subjected to Khazar rule.42
Huns: A nomadic group that moved through the region during the period of mass migrations.2
Khazars: A Turkic-speaking confederation that established a major empire and engaged in significant conflicts with the Arab empire for control of the Caucasus.42
Arabs: Their expansion into the region in the 7th century led to the spread of the Islamic faith and the occupation of cities such as Tbilisi.142
Seljuq Turks: Their incursions significantly impacted the political landscape of the region.2
Mongols: They devastated the region, including Georgia, beginning in the 1230s.152

These invasions left a lasting imprint on the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Caucasian peoples, who often retreated into mountain ravines to preserve their autonomy.12