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Haplogroup G2a2b1a27

G-Y312556

Macro-haplogroup

Parent clade

G2a2b1a

Formed (estimate)

approximately 8,500 to 9,500 years before present

TMRCA (estimate)

approximately 3,400 to 4,200 years ago

Y312556
Y312574
Y312585
Caucasus and northern Zagros WGS markers

Overview

G-Y312556 represents a deep continuity highland lineage occupying the boundary zones between the southern Caucasus, the Armenian Highlands and the northern Zagros. Unlike maritime or Balkan-expansion G2a2b1a branches, this lineage retained its demographic core in rugged interior landscapes where genetic continuity is more pronounced. Its profile aligns with the Bronze Age cultural worlds of Hurrian, proto-Armenian and Zagros-oriented agro-pastoral populations.

Geographic distribution

Modern carriers are concentrated in Armenia, eastern Turkey, northwest Iran and northern Iraq. Smaller signals appear in Georgia. The lineage exhibits very limited spread beyond this highland arc.

Ancient DNA

Bronze Age highland individuals from Armenia and Lake Urmia regions show upstream markers aligned with ancestral Y312556.
Iron Age settlements around Lake Van display STR layouts similar to early subbranches.
No European or Mediterranean ancient samples match this clade, underscoring its local continuity.

Phylogeny & subclades

The lineage splits into an Armenian plateau cluster, a Zagros-oriented branch and a northern Mesopotamian microclade. Divergence timing corresponds to early and middle Bronze Age highland sociocultural reorganizations.

G-Y312556* Armenian highland basal lineage
G-Y312556a Zagros-oriented branch
G-Y312556b northern Mesopotamian microclade
rare Georgian upland derivative

Notes & context