Overview
G2a1c represents a Caucasus oriented branch of the L293 lineage, forming one of several modest radiations that persisted among highland and foothill populations of the southern Caucasus and northeast Anatolia. While G2a1 as a whole is linked to early Holocene expansions in the Near East and Caucasus, G2a1c appears to have remained more localized, forming regional microclusters with notable stability across millennia. Its position in the tree suggests that it diverged from other L293 related branches relatively early, forming a mid sized lineage that survived multiple demographic turnovers in the region.
Geographic distribution
Modern distributions of G2a1c are concentrated in Georgia, northern Armenia, eastern Turkey and parts of the western Caspian corridor. Low frequency cases appear among Avar, Lezgic and Ossetian communities, pointing to shared deep time ancestry among Caucasian highland groups. Occasional downstream matches occur in Iranian Azeri populations, consistent with long standing cultural and demographic links between the Caucasus and northwest Iran.
Ancient DNA
- Caucasus Neolithic samples appear compatible with early L293 derived structure and may include ancestors of G2a1c, although resolution is insufficient for precise placement.
- Bronze Age and Iron Age genomes from the South Caucasus show upstream G2a1 signatures, forming a plausible context for the formation of G2a1c.
Phylogeny & subclades
G2a1c forms one of several sister branches within the L293 radiation. It sits parallel to G2a1a and G2a1b, forming a triad of mid sized lineages that diverged early in G2a1 history. Internal structure is shallow and dominated by small highland microclades.
- G2a1c* basal
- Caucasus foothill microclades
- Anatolia–Georgia founder lineages
Notes & context
G2a1c strengthens the representation of L293 diversity by providing an additional durable Caucasus rooted branch, helping balance G2a1 in relation to the larger M406 and M286 radiations.
References & external links