Ossetians call themselves "Irons" or "Digorons" and are one of the oldest Caucasian peoples. When Iranian-speaking tribes (Alans, Scythians and Sarmatians) settled here, the local population adopted their language and many cultural traits. Alans and Ossetians laid the foundation for the formation of the Ossetian people. The Mongol-Tatars destroyed this alliance, and the Alans were forced out of the plains into mountain gorges, and some of them moved to the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, where they live to this day.
The majority of Ossetians live in North Ossetia (capital Vladikavkaz) and a significant part in the Republic of Georgia. A smaller proportion live in South Ossetia (surrounded on three sides by Georgia). Ossetians and Georgians have long-standing ties and share some customs. Many members of this group also live in Kabardino-Balkaria and Stavropol Krai of Russia. North and South Ossetia straddle Georgia's northern border. They also live in other countries of the former Soviet Union, including Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.
Like other Caucasian peoples, Ossetians preserve and develop their traditions, customs and festivals wherever they live. They are depicted in tales, proverbs and songs reflecting the centuries-old history of the Ossetian people.