North Caucasian Huns

The North Caucasian Huns were believed to be a branch of the Huns that established a polity in Daghestan in the 6th century and 7th century CE. The North Caucasian Huns probably incorporated numerous indigenous Caucasian tribes following their settlement in the area.

In 535 or 537, an Armenian missionary team headed by the bishop Kardost baptized many among the North Caucasian Huns.^[1] The Syriac source reporting this event also indicates that a writing system for Hunnic was developed.^[2]

In 682 Bishop Israel of Caucasian Albania led an unsuccessful delegation to convert Alp Iluetuer, the ruler of the Caucasian Huns, to Christianity. It has been suggested that "Iluetuer" is actually a corruption of the Khazar title "elteber", or client-ruler, suggesting that this people was subordinate to the Khazars from at least the mid to late 7th century. They are frequently described as being allied with the Khazars in their various wars of the period, particularly against the Caliphate.

Little is known about their fate after the early 8th century. It is likely that they became incorporated into the Khazar Khaganate. However, it is likely that they survived in some form or another for several centuries, possibly even until the 11th century.

See also

• Sabir people

References