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Y-DNA Haplogroup Atlas

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Haplogroup H2a

Anatolian–Balkan Neolithic H2 branch

Macro-haplogroup
H
Parent clade
H2
Formed (estimate)
c. 12,000–15,000 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 6,000–8,000 years ago

Overview

H2a represents the primary downstream branch of haplogroup H2 and is strongly associated with the early Neolithic expansions originating in Anatolia. Its appearance in multiple early farmer genomes from Anatolia and southeastern Europe marks it as one of the minor paternal contributors to the westward spread of agriculture. Despite its limited modern presence, H2a provides an essential genetic link between South Asian rooted haplogroup H and early West Eurasian farming communities. H2a likely formed among late Pleistocene or early Holocene populations in the northern Fertile Crescent or southern Anatolia. With the onset of the Neolithic transition, some H2a lineages were integrated into early agricultural societies and moved into the Aegean, Balkans and Central Europe. Subsequent demographic events, including steppe associated expansions and founder effects among early European farmers, significantly reduced its representation in later periods.

Geographic distribution

Today H2a is exceedingly rare. Small pockets have been detected in Anatolia, the Balkans and parts of the Caucasus. Occasional cases appear in Iran and the Levant, consistent with its Near Eastern origins. In Europe, H2a appears sporadically and usually in regions showing elevated early farmer ancestry. The rarity of H2a in modern populations juxtaposed with its presence in Neolithic genomes highlights the magnitude of later demographic shifts within Europe and West Asia.

Ancient DNA

  • H2a has been identified in early Neolithic Anatolian genomes.
  • Early European farmers from the Balkans and central Europe carry H2a in low frequencies.
  • No significant presence of H2a is observed in later Bronze Age or Iron Age European samples, indicating lineage decline.

Phylogeny & subclades

H2a forms the primary structured descendant of H2 and sits parallel to H2b. The internal branching of H2a is shallow due to limited surviving diversity, but ancient DNA places it within the early farmer demographic layer. Its phylogeny provides connections between the broader H lineage and West Eurasian Neolithic expansions.

  • H2a* basal
  • Anatolian farmer–associated microbranches
  • Balkan Neolithic clusters

Notes & context

H2a is central for understanding how haplogroup H, typically considered South Asian in orientation, entered the demographic profile of early West Eurasian agricultural groups. Its inclusion is crucial for the historical framework of Neolithic paternal lineages.