A · BT · CT · CF · F · J · J1-M267 · J1-P58 · J1-L147.1 · J1-ZS2128

Haplogroup J1-ZS2128

Macro-haplogroup
J
Parent clade
J1-L147.1
Formed (estimate)
c. 4,200 to 5,500 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 1,000 to 1,600 years ago

Overview

J1-ZS2128 is a downstream component of the Arabian-rooted J1-L147.1 radiation and formed among pastoral populations occupying northern Arabia during the early Bronze Age. These groups followed grazing circuits centered on desert wells, scattered oasis systems and wadis that provided seasonal access to water. Their demographic structure corresponds to early tribal formations that later shaped historic Hejazi and North Arabian societies. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, ZS2128-bearing groups expanded across the desert belt between the Hejaz, Najd and the western Mesopotamian frontier. Downstream structure reveals several founder-driven expansions associated with clan-based segmentation. With the rise of the early Islamic world, additional dispersal moved ZS2128 lineages into Iraq and the Gulf region, where further microbranches developed.

Geographic distribution

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

Ancient DNA

  • Bronze Age Levant individuals show upstream J1-P58 ancestry compatible with proto ZS2128.
  • Iron Age Arabian desert-edge burials display diversification patterns aligning with ZS2128 emergence.
  • Early Islamic Hejaz remains show downstream ZS2128 derivatives.

Phylogeny & subclades

A J1-L147.1 derivative shaped by desert pastoralism, founder effects and early North Arabian tribal expansion.

  • ZS2128*
  • Hejaz and Najd clusters
  • Northern Arabian microclades

Notes & context

A lineage central to the demographic reconstruction of northern Arabian tribal history.