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Y-DNA Haplogroup Atlas

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Haplogroup G1a1

G-L830

Macro-haplogroup
G
Parent clade
G1a
Formed (estimate)
c. 10,000–12,000 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 5,500–7,000 years ago

Overview

G1a1 (L830) is the dominant Iranian Plateau subclade of G1 and constitutes the main lineage connecting early Holocene Iranian highland populations with later Bronze and Iron Age expansions. It expanded along the Zagros–Caspian interface and contributed significantly to the paternal ancestry of Iranian-speaking peoples. G1a1 plays a key role in the west-to-east cultural connections that shaped the Iranian world, forming the paternal backbone of multiple regional communities. Its frequency peaks among populations historically linked to Iranian-speaking highland tribes.

Geographic distribution

G1a1 is especially common in northern and western Iran, among Lurs, Mazandarani and Gilaki groups, and continues into the southern Caucasus. Moderate levels occur among Kurds, Azeris and certain Gulf populations. In Central Asia, G1a1-derived lineages are present but less dominant than other G1a branches, reflecting secondary rather than primary expansions.

Ancient DNA

  • Chalcolithic and Bronze Age individuals from western Iran exhibit SNP patterns consistent with G1a1 lineages.
  • Zagros pastoralist-associated burials show upstream ancestry likely ancestral to modern G1a1 clusters.
  • Iron Age Iranian Plateau individuals show continuity with modern G1a1 distributions.

Phylogeny & subclades

G1a1 branches into several region-specific subclades linked to populations across the Iranian Plateau, southern Caucasus and Zagros. The structure includes early divergences between Caspian-centered and western Iranian lineages, followed by more recent expansions during the Iron Age. Phylogenetic density is highest in Iran, reflecting a long-term demographic core.

  • G1a1*
  • Caspian regional branches
  • Zagros-associated microclades
  • southern Caucasus founder lineages

Notes & context

G1a1 is the anchor lineage for reconstructing deep-time Iranian Plateau paternal history. Its structure and distribution align closely with archaeological, linguistic and historical evidence of Iranian-speaking population formation.