The Alans, from whom the modern Ossetians claim descent, were a branch of the Sarmatians descended from a mélange of peoples, including Eastern tribes such as the Massagetae. The name Alan is thought to be derived from the same route as “Iran” and “Aryan” (indeed, the Ossetian self-designation is “Iron”) Some Alan tribes went west during the 300's CE and joined the Visigoths and Vandals in Spain and North Africa. The majority remained in the Caucasus region, around the Darial Pass. Their capital was Maghas (destroyed by the Golden Horde in 1339) and at various times they controlled the port city of Phasis, now in Georgia. Their kings had the title of Kundaj.