A · BT · CT · CF · F · J · J1-M267 · J1-P58 · J1-Y5492

Haplogroup J1-Y5492

Macro-haplogroup
J
Parent clade
J1-P58
Formed (estimate)
c. 4,700 to 6,000 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 1,200 to 1,800 years ago

Overview

J1-Y5492 is a downstream branch of the major Arabian-rooted J1-P58 expansion and traces its earliest ancestry to pastoralist populations occupying the northern Arabian plateau during the early Bronze Age. These communities followed seasonal herding cycles centered on wells, wadis and upland grazing areas, forming part of the early demographic substrate that later contributed to the emergence of North Arabian tribal systems. Archaeological parallels include fortified oases, seasonal encampments and caravan-linked movement corridors. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, Y5492-bearing populations integrated into North Arabian tribal confederations that expanded across the Hejaz, Transjordan and areas adjoining southern Syria and Iraq. Its downstream topology shows distinct founder effects associated with regional clan structures. Subsequent migrations during the early Islamic expansion disseminated certain lineages into Mesopotamia and the Gulf, where additional microbranches later formed.

Geographic distribution

Most common in Saudi Arabia and Jordan; moderate in Iraq and Syria; low in Kuwait, Egypt and the Levant.

Ancient DNA

  • Bronze Age Levant individuals preserve J1-P58 patterns consistent with ancestral Y5492.
  • Iron Age North Arabian burials show divergence patterns that fit early Y5492 formation.
  • Early Islamic Hejaz tombs contain downstream Y5492 derivatives.

Phylogeny & subclades

A structured J1-P58 lineage shaped by pastoral mobility, regional founder events and the growth of North Arabian tribes.

  • Y5492*
  • Hejaz derivatives
  • Northern Arabian branch sets

Notes & context

An important lineage for reconstructing tribal population dynamics in northern Arabia.