The Alans, established in the north Caucasus, became Christians during the course of the 10th century at a time when when the empire was expanding its control eastward. A metropolitan was established by the end of the century, and during the 11th century Alans served the empire well, especially as soldiers. During the 11th century the georgian princess Maria, the wife of Michael VIII Doukas and later of Nicephorus III Botaniates, was consistently called Maria of Alania.