A · BT · CT · CF · F · J · J1-M267 · J1-P58 · J1-L147.1 · J1-ZS420

Haplogroup J1-ZS420

Macro-haplogroup
J
Parent clade
J1-L147.1
Formed (estimate)
c. 5,500 to 7,000 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 2,000 to 3,000 years ago

Overview

J1-ZS420 is a downstream subclade of the major Arabian-centered J1-L147.1 lineage. Its formation corresponds to demographic shifts occurring during the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age, when pastoral specialization and increased mobility shaped tribal landscapes across the Arabian Plateau. Populations ancestral to ZS420 took part in the gradual expansion of desert-adapted pastoral communities that formed the core of the early North Arabian tribal sphere. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, ZS420-bearing groups contributed to the cultural and demographic networks that linked northern Arabia with the southern Levant, Mesopotamia and the Gulf. The phylogenetic structure of the lineage indicates multiple founder effects and regionally coherent microbranches, suggesting strong ties to tribal groups active during the late prehistoric and early historic eras.

Geographic distribution

Most common in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kuwait; moderate levels in Iraq and Syria; low frequencies in Egypt, Iran and the Caucasus.

Ancient DNA

  • Bronze Age Levant samples contain J1-P58 ancestors consistent with early ZS420 formation.
  • Iron Age North Arabian individuals show diversification patterns matching proto ZS420 branches.
  • Early Islamic urban cemeteries show derived ZS420 signatures reflecting tribal expansions.

Phylogeny & subclades

A structured descendant of J1-L147.1 characterized by Arabian plateau expansions and downstream tribal founder events.

  • ZS420*
  • Arabian plateau subbranches
  • Levantine derivatives

Notes & context

A lineage reflecting the demographic interplay between early North Arabian tribal groups and surrounding regions during the Bronze and Iron Ages.