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Y-DNA Haplogroup Atlas

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Haplogroup G1c

G-FGC8223

Macro-haplogroup
G
Parent clade
G1
Formed (estimate)
c. 14,000–18,000 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 7,000–9,000 years ago

Overview

G1c is a rare but phylogenetically meaningful downstream branch of haplogroup G1, forming a parallel radiation to G1a and G1b. While numerically minor, it preserves an independent lineage associated with early Holocene highland populations of northwest Iran, eastern Anatolia and the southern Caucasus. Unlike G1a—which experienced large Bronze Age expansions—G1c remained more isolated and regionally confined, making it a genetic snapshot of early Iranian–Caucasian paternal structure. Its modest modern presence conceals a deep evolutionary history tied to early post-glacial refugia and foothill communities. Many G1c subclusters appear tied to isolated or semi-isolated mountainous populations, suggesting long-term continuity in rugged terrain where small paternal lineages persisted through millennia.

Geographic distribution

G1c today is found mainly in northwest Iran, eastern Turkey and the Armenian Highland. It appears at very low but stable frequencies in Armenia and Azerbaijan. Minor presence in northern Iraq and the central Zagros region indicates ancient highland continuity. Small modern instances in Central Asia likely reflect historical Iranian-mediated gene flow rather than deep presence.

Ancient DNA

  • A handful of upstream G1 subclades in Chalcolithic and Bronze Age Armenia/Iran may represent early G1c-related branches.
  • Foothill-zone prehistoric samples in the Zagros occasionally show SNP patterns compatible with proto-G1c lineages.
  • No confirmed European ancient DNA shows G1c, consistent with its strongly West Asian profile.

Phylogeny & subclades

G1c diverges early from the G1 stem but remains structurally compact. Its few known subclades exhibit tight geographic clustering around the Armenian Highland and northwest Iran. Compared to the star-like expansions of G1a, G1c shows slow diversification, reinforcing the idea of long-term small population sizes.

  • G1c* basal
  • Iranian highland microclades
  • Armenian regional branches

Notes & context

Even though G1c is rare, its inclusion is essential for understanding the full internal structure of G1 and mapping minor highland refugial populations that survived outside major demographic expansions.