Overview
J2a-FGC16579 is a downstream Mediterranean maritime oriented lineage within the J2a-Z2227 complex. Its early diversification reflects settlement and mobility patterns centered on Cyprus, southwestern Anatolia and the southern Aegean. These regions were deeply involved in early maritime cultural expansion, including copper trade, early port settlements and island based interaction spheres during the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age.
During the Bronze Age, FGC16579 bearing groups participated in maritime networks linking Cyprus, the Levant, the Aegean and the Anatolian coastline. The lineage exhibits downstream clusters strongly associated with island populations and coastal hubs. Its demographic structure parallels the rise of complex maritime economies, Bronze Age metallurgy and classical era urban coastal centers.
Geographic distribution
Cyprus, coastal Turkey, Dodecanese islands; moderate in Crete, Greece and the Levant; minor presence in Italy and the central Mediterranean.
Ancient DNA
- Cypriot Bronze Age individuals show signatures compatible with early FGC16579.
- Aegean Bronze Age samples include J2a variants consistent with upstream FGC16579.
- Southern Anatolian Bronze Age burials indicate links to this lineage.
- Classical era Mediterranean populations present downstream FGC16579 segments.
- Roman era island settlements retain derived branches of FGC16579.
Phylogeny & subclades
A coastal and island centered cluster within J2a-Z2227, reflecting maritime expansion and regional founder events.
- FGC16579*
- Cypriot island branches
- Aegean microclades
Notes & context
A key lineage for understanding eastern Mediterranean maritime networks in the Bronze and classical periods.
References & external links