Overview
G2a4a represents an early and regionally stable branch of the G2a4 lineage, emerging during the late Neolithic period in the highland regions of eastern Anatolia and the southern Caucasus. The lineage is linked to cultural complexes that bridged early agricultural societies with emerging metallurgical traditions in the Armenian Highlands and Upper Euphrates basin. G2a4a’s demographic history shows continuity rather than rapid expansion, distinguishing it from the more widespread G2a2b-derived Neolithic lineages.
Geographic distribution
Modern distributions of G2a4a concentrate in Armenia, eastern Turkey, and northern Iran. It appears in modest frequencies among Kurdish, Armenian, Zaza, and certain northeastern Anatolian populations. Scarce occurrences are detected in Georgia and Azerbaijan, reflecting the shared prehistoric networks of the greater Caucasus–Anatolian highland arc.
Ancient DNA
- Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age samples from eastern Anatolia show haplotypes consistent with G2a4-associated structure.
- PF3334-like lineages appear in ancient Armenian Highlands individuals tied to early highland agricultural cultures.
- No direct, high-coverage G2a4a ancient sample exists yet.
Phylogeny & subclades
G2a4a is the best-defined downstream branch of G2a4. The lineage contains a set of PF3334/PF3339-derived sub-branches, though most observed variation remains private. Relative to G2a1 and G2a3 branches, G2a4a sits phylogenetically in the highland West Asian cluster of early G2a diversity.
- G2a4a* (basal)
- G2a4a1 (PF3339-associated)
- Regional Armenian and Van–Bitlis micro-branches
Notes & context
G2a4a provides an important anchor for understanding the early paternal landscape of eastern Anatolia and highland West Asia. Its persistence aligns with archaeological evidence of long-term population continuity across the Armenian Highlands, a region central to early metallurgical and pastoral developments.
References & external links