A · BT · CT · CF · F · J · J1-M267 · J1-P58 · J1-L147.1 · J1-ZS462

Haplogroup J1-ZS462

Macro-haplogroup
J
Parent clade
J1-L147.1
Formed (estimate)
c. 5,300 to 7,000 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 1,900 to 2,900 years ago

Overview

J1-ZS462 is a downstream branch of the widespread J1-L147.1 lineage, itself a major component of the Arabian-centered J1-P58 expansion. The clade emerged during the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age when expanding pastoral networks began linking the northern Arabian plateau with southern Mesopotamia and the southern Levant. Environmental pressures and the development of oasis-based subsistence strategies likely shaped the early demographic behaviors of the lineage. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, ZS462-bearing groups participated in the formation of North Arabian tribal confederations, trade routes and cultural networks associated with early Semitic expansions. Its downstream phylogeny suggests multiple localized founder events, with branches showing geographic coherence in the northern Arabian interior and adjoining Levantine regions.

Geographic distribution

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

Ancient DNA

  • Levantine Bronze Age individuals contain J1-P58 lineages consistent with early ZS462 development.
  • Iron Age desert frontier populations show diversification patterns aligned with proto ZS462.
  • Early Islamic settlements preserve downstream ZS462 signatures tied to tribal expansions.

Phylogeny & subclades

A regionally structured J1-L147.1 subclade shaped by Arabian plateau pastoral expansions and localized founder effects.

  • ZS462*
  • Arabian interior branches
  • Levantine derivatives

Notes & context

A lineage central to reconstructing demographic expansions of early North Arabian tribes.