Overview
J2a-FGC16620 is a downstream lineage associated with coastal and island populations of the eastern Mediterranean, particularly Cyprus, southwestern Anatolia and the southern Aegean. Its formation aligns with the rapid development of maritime communities during the middle Holocene, when island-based villages and coastal agro pastoral settlements formed dense interaction spheres. Archaeogenetic signatures from Cyprus, Crete and southern Anatolia closely match the early diversification pattern of this clade.
During the Bronze Age, FGC16620 bearing groups were active participants in maritime trade and cultural exchange networks, including copper-based redistribution economies and Aegean island interaction routes. Its downstream branches show strong indications of island-centered founder effects and sustained demographic continuity.
Geographic distribution
Cyprus, coastal Turkey, Dodecanese islands; moderate in Crete, Greece and the Levant; minor presence across Italy and the central Mediterranean.
Ancient DNA
- Cypriot Bronze Age burials show upstream lineages consistent with early FGC16620.
- Southern Anatolian Bronze Age individuals contain J2a structures aligned with this clade.
- Aegean Bronze Age samples exhibit J2a variation matching FGC16620 expansions.
- Classical Levantine port communities preserve downstream derivatives.
- Roman era insular settlements reflect continuity with this lineage.
Phylogeny & subclades
A maritime oriented J2a-Z2227 branch with island-centered microclades displaying localized expansion signals.
- FGC16620*
- Cyprus-centered microbranches
- Aegean downstream lines
Notes & context
One of the key J2a maritime lineages associated with Bronze Age island-based economic systems.
References & external links