haplogroups.info
Y-DNA Haplogroup Atlas

A · A1 · A1b · A1b1 · BT · CT · CF · F · G · G2 · G2b · G2b3 · G2b3a

Haplogroup G2b3a

G-FT19890

Macro-haplogroup
G
Parent clade
G2b3
Formed (estimate)
c. 12,500–14,000 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 3,800–5,200 years ago

Overview

G2b3a represents the first major branching structure within the newly resolved G2b3 radiation. This lineage reveals a rare but meaningful paternal signal distributed across the eastern Iranian Plateau, the Bactria-Margiana (BMAC) horizon, and parts of the Hindu Kush corridor. Unlike the more concentrated G2b1 and G2b2 branches, G2b3a displays a mixed highland–lowland demographic profile, suggesting deep continuity among Bronze Age agro-pastoral populations who inhabited the ecological frontier zones separating Central Asia from the Iranian highlands.

Geographic distribution

Modern occurrences of G2b3a are sparse but geographically cohesive. Highest frequencies appear among populations of northern Afghanistan (especially around Badakhshan), northeastern Iran, and western Tajikistan. Minor clusters exist in Pakistan’s Khyber region and in small pockets across Turkmenistan. The distribution aligns to ecological corridors tied to ancient population mobility across Central Asia.

Ancient DNA

  • BMAC-associated individuals from the 2200–1700 BCE period contain genetic signatures statistically overlapping with upstream G2b3 profiles.
  • Iron Age samples from the Yaz culture sphere show haplotype affinities corresponding to downstream features of G2b3a.
  • Although no ancient male is definitively assigned to G2b3a due to resolution limits, allele distributions strongly indicate presence in Bronze Age trade and pastoral networks.

Phylogeny & subclades

G2b3a is defined by FT19890 and downstream linked markers, forming the earliest and most stable split under G2b3. This branch appears to have undergone slow, regionally constrained diversification. Several micro-lineages (FT19877+, FT19902+) correspond to highland refugia populations whose demographic continuity spans the Bronze Age to medieval Islamic-era expansions.

  • G2b3a* (basal)
  • G2b3a1 (FT19902-linked)
  • G2b3a2 (regional Iranian-Afghan microclusters)

Notes & context

This lineage is significant for modeling Iranian-Central Asian paternal interactions during the Bronze Age. Its presence near BMAC, Avestan-related cultures, and Indo-Iranian transition zones suggests a substantial role in shaping eastern Iranian paternal structure.