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Haplogroup C2a1

C2a1-M48

Macro-haplogroup

Parent clade

C2a

Formed (estimate)

c. 20,000–25,000 years before present

TMRCA (estimate)

c. 8,000–12,000 years ago

M48
Z1336
F17237

Overview

C2a1 (M48) represents one of the principal steppe-oriented branches of the C2a radiation. It is deeply associated with the prehistoric populations of Mongolia and eastern Siberia and captures a major paternal signature underlying the formation of Mongolic tribes. The lineage became increasingly prominent throughout the Bronze Age, Iron Age and early medieval period, especially among groups inhabiting the Orkhon, Selenga and eastern steppe regions.

Geographic distribution

Modern concentrations of C2a1 are highest in Mongolia, Buryatia, northeastern China (Inner Mongolia and Manchuria), Yakutia and among Evenk groups. Minor levels occur in Central Asia and Korea due to historic Mongolic expansions.

Ancient DNA

Bronze Age steppe individuals from Mongolia frequently carry upstream C2a1-related haplotypes.
Xiongnu and early Xianbei burials show paternal lineages positioned within or near the C2a1 cluster.
Medieval nomadic polities of the eastern steppe exhibit widespread C2a1 representation.

Phylogeny & subclades

Defined by M48 and Z1336, C2a1 is a major subbranch of C2a. It includes several downstream microclades tied to Mongolic-speaking populations and their steppe predecessors.

C2a1a
C2a1b
C2a1*

Notes & context