Overview
J2a-Y17144 is a highland-derived subclade within the J2a-M67 radiation, emerging among early Holocene agro-pastoral populations inhabiting the uplands of eastern Anatolia, the Armenian plateau and the northern Zagros fringe. Its formation coincides with the establishment of permanent highland settlements and the expansion of complex trans-mountain exchange systems.
Throughout the Bronze Age, Y17144 played a role in the demographic fabric associated with fortified highland centers, early metallurgy hubs and the cultural networks of the Upper Tigris basin. Downstream branches show microregional differentiation tied to isolated mountain valleys and plateau-edge habitats. The lineage remained widespread in upland ecological niches into the Iron Age and classical periods, reflecting long-term genetic continuity.
Geographic distribution
Armenia, eastern Turkey, northwest Iran, northern Iraq; minor recurrences in Georgia.
Ancient DNA
- Bronze Age Armenian plateau samples contain upstream J2a signals consistent with Y17144 ancestry.
- Chalcolithic Upper Tigris individuals show components aligned with ancestral variants of the lineage.
- Eastern Anatolian Bronze Age settlements display paternal markers linked to the clade.
- Iron Age upland cemeteries reveal downstream subbranch presence.
- Classical highland populations maintain continuity with microbranches of Y17144.
Phylogeny & subclades
A highland-based J2a-M67 lineage with structured diversification across eastern Anatolia and the Armenian plateau.
- Y17144*
- Armenian plateau derivatives
- Upper Tigris upland clades
Notes & context
Y17144 is key to reconstructing upland population stability across the Bronze and Iron Ages.
References & external links