Overview
G2a2b1a56 is a downstream branch of M406 associated with inland western Mediterranean populations, especially those in the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Its phylogenetic age points toward a late antique or early medieval radiation, likely involving movements of eastern Mediterranean males into western Mediterranean contexts through Roman, Byzantine or later Mediterranean trade and military activity.
This lineage differs from early Neolithic G2a migrations into Iberia; instead, it represents a historically later component, tied to classical and post-classical demographic layers that reached Iberia from the central and eastern Mediterranean.
Geographic distribution
Modern carriers are mainly found in Spain (Andalusia, Valencia, Murcia), Portugal (Alentejo, Algarve) and southern France (Occitanie, Provence). Lower frequencies appear in Italy, particularly Sicily and the Tyrrhenian coast, suggesting earlier maritime points of arrival.
The lineage is largely absent from central and northern Europe, reinforcing its Mediterranean historical orientation.
Ancient DNA
- Late Roman and Visigothic-period Iberian individuals show eastern Mediterranean components consistent with M406-derived paternal input.
- Classical-era and Roman samples from Provence and Catalonia occasionally contain G2a2b1a-like markers that align with FT1290xx derivatives.
- Medieval Andalusian genomic profiles frequently require Levantine–Mediterranean male line contributions, matching this lineage’s inferred ancestral trajectory.
Phylogeny & subclades
Defined by FT129002, G2a2b1a56 forms a distinct western Mediterranean node within the M406 macrostructure. Subclusters correspond to Iberian, southern French and possibly Sicilian microbranches. Branch lengths indicate repeated small founder events across Roman to medieval timeframes.
- G2a2b1a56* (basal western Mediterranean form)
- G2a2b1a56a (FT129027-linked Iberian cluster)
- G2a2b1a56b (southern French microbranch)
Notes & context
G2a2b1a56 is critical for reconstructing the post-Neolithic eastern Mediterranean male-line input into Iberia and southern France. In personal ancestry contexts, members of this branch typically have deep paternal histories associated with classical-to-medieval Mediterranean mobility rather than early European farmer ancestry.
References & external links