Overview
J2a-FGC17288 is a downstream branch of the J2a-Z2227 maritime complex, most strongly associated with early island-based populations of Cyprus, the Dodecanese and the southern Aegean. Its formation corresponds to middle Holocene coastal agricultural communities who developed early seafaring networks and participated in obsidian, copper and pottery exchange systems across the eastern Mediterranean.
During the Bronze Age, FGC17288 bearing groups were involved in the demographic streams linking Cyprus, the Aegean and the Levant, particularly within metallurgical and proto urban island centers. Downstream branching indicates multiple founder effects in coastal and island populations, with later persistence into the classical period within coastal port settlements.
Geographic distribution
Highest frequencies in Cyprus and coastal southwestern Turkey; moderate across Crete, the Dodecanese and mainland Greece; lower levels in the Levant and Italy.
Ancient DNA
- Bronze Age Cypriot individuals show J2a signals aligned with early FGC17288.
- Southern Anatolian Bronze Age burials include upstream versions of this clade.
- Aegean Bronze Age remains contain profiles compatible with this maritime lineage.
- Classical era Levantine ports include downstream elements of FGC17288.
- Roman island populations show continuity with derived forms of the clade.
Phylogeny & subclades
A coastal and island centered J2a-Z2227 lineage exhibiting localized founder effects and maritime oriented substructure.
- FGC17288*
- Cypriot island derivatives
- Aegean maritime branches
Notes & context
A significant maritime lineage contributing to Bronze Age and classical era eastern Mediterranean population structure.
References & external links