Overview
J2a-Y16650 is a downstream highland-focused lineage within the J2a-M67 radiation, linked to the upland cultural zones spanning eastern Anatolia, the Armenian plateau and northern Mesopotamia. Its earliest diversification corresponds to mid Holocene agro-pastoral transitions in highland ecosystems characterized by terraced agriculture, transhumant pastoral routes and fortified village settlements. Archaeological parallels include Chalcolithic highland communities with strong metallurgical traditions and long-distance trade ties to the South Caucasus.
By the Bronze Age, Y16650-bearing groups formed part of the demographic landscape associated with the Kura Araxes and later local highland polities. The lineage’s phylogenetic structure indicates stability and persistence in upland microregions, with scattered downstream expansions into adjacent foothill zones.
Geographic distribution
Armenia, eastern Turkey, northwest Iran, northern Iraq; moderate in Georgia; lower in the Levant.
Ancient DNA
- Bronze Age Armenian plateau individuals exhibit ancestral signals consistent with Y16650.
- Upper Tigris Chalcolithic individuals show J2a patterns related to early Y16650.
- Eastern Anatolian Bronze Age burials include paternal markers associated with this lineage.
- Iron Age upland populations display downstream Y16650 segments.
- Classical highland communities retain demographic continuity with Y16650 derivatives.
Phylogeny & subclades
A highly localized highland branch of J2a-M67, with several microclades concentrated along the Armenian and eastern Anatolian uplands.
- Y16650*
- Armenian highland microbranches
- Upper Tigris derivations
Notes & context
A key lineage for understanding long-term demographic continuity in the eastern Anatolian and Armenian highlands.
References & external links