city and capital of North Ossetia republic, southwestern Russia. It lies along the Terek River and on the northern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. Founded in 1784, Vladikavkaz was designed as the key fortress to hold the Georgian Military Highway through the Terek River valley and the Ossetian Military Highway along the Ardon Valley, the two main routes across the Caucasus. In 1860 it became a town. Vladikavkaz's industries produce nonferrous metals, electrical equipment, vehicle parts, and foodstuffs. The city has several educational and research institutes. Pop. (1991 est.) 306,000.