A · BT · CT · CF · F · J · J1-M267 · J1-P58 · J1-L147.1 · J1-ZS1939

Haplogroup J1-ZS1939

Macro-haplogroup
J
Parent clade
J1-L147.1
Formed (estimate)
c. 4,300 to 5,600 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 1,100 to 1,700 years ago

Overview

J1-ZS1939 is a downstream lineage of the Arabian-rooted J1-L147.1 complex and appears to have originated among pastoral communities occupying northern Arabia and the Hejaz during the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age. These groups practiced pastoral mobility structured around desert wells, intermittent water sources and small oasis clusters. Their cultural and demographic patterns align with early Semitic-speaking tribal populations in the region. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, ZS1939-bearing groups expanded into the Hejaz, central Arabia and western Mesopotamia. Downstream phylogenetic signatures reflect several regional founder events tied to tribalized social formations. Early Islamic expansions introduced additional geographic dispersion, particularly into Iraq and the Gulf region, where microclade formation continued.

Geographic distribution

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

Ancient DNA

  • Bronze Age Levant remains preserve upstream J1-P58 variation consistent with proto ZS1939.
  • Iron Age Arabian frontier burials show diversification patterns aligned with early ZS1939.
  • Early Islamic Hejaz tombs contain downstream ZS1939-derived lineages.

Phylogeny & subclades

A structured J1-L147.1 subclade defined by desert pastoralism, founder-driven tribal formation and long-term Arabian demographic stability.

  • ZS1939*
  • Hejaz clusters
  • Northern Arabian microbranches

Notes & context

A lineage significant for reconstructing the tribal demographic evolution of northern Arabia.