Overview
J2a-Z6065 is a major subclade nested under J2a-M67 and is characterized by a strong association with ancient highland populations of the Iranian Plateau, eastern Anatolia and the central Caucasus. Its emergence during the early Holocene coincides with the expansion of agro-pastoral lifeways along the highland corridors connecting the Zagros, Armenian plateau and Caucasian mountain systems. Z6065-bearing populations likely participated in the early domestication of goats and sheep, as well as the development of highland agricultural niches distinct from lowland Levantine farming traditions. During the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages, Z6065-related lineages are associated with early metallurgical centers, trans-Caucasian trade routes and proto-urban settlements in northwest Iran and eastern Anatolia. Its wide diffusion into the Caucasus further reflects integration into highland chiefdoms, tribal confederations and long-distance pastoral networks.
Geographic distribution
Modern Z6065 frequencies are highest in Iran (particularly among Kurdish, Luri, Mazandarani and Azeri groups), the Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia, Dagestan), eastern Anatolia and northern Iraq. Secondary frequencies appear in the Levant, Cyprus, and parts of Greece, likely due to ancient westward spillovers and classical-era mobility. Z6065 also appears in South Asia—Pakistan, northwest India and Afghanistan—representing deep Bronze Age and Iron Age interactions. Minor occurrences in Central Asia and the Arabian Peninsula reflect later historical movements.
Ancient DNA
- Chalcolithic and Bronze Age individuals from the Zagros region exhibit Z6065-related lineages tied to early pastoralist–metallurgical societies.
- Armenian highland Bronze Age burials show Z6065 signatures linked to proto-urban centers and highland trade networks.
- Ancient Caucasus individuals from Kura–Araxes contexts present Z6065 branches linked to early transregional exchange.
- Late Neolithic central Anatolian individuals show J2a variants consistent with early Z6065 diversification.
- Bronze Age northern Mesopotamian individuals show overlaps with Z6065 substructure, reflecting early connectivity.
Phylogeny & subclades
Z6065 is a structurally complex subclade of J2a-M67, branching into several regionally distributed lineages. These include high-diversity Iranian clusters and Caucasus microclades, along with secondary Mediterranean branches. The clade’s internal diversity indicates multiple expansions from a highland core zone, particularly during Neolithic–Bronze Age transitions.
- Z6065* (rare basal)
- Z6064 highland branches
- Y13199 clusters in Iran and Caucasus
- Mediterranean microclades tied to Bronze Age maritime exchange
Notes & context
J2a-Z6065 is essential for reconstructing ancient highland population structures connecting Iran, Anatolia and the Caucasus. Its branching matches archaeogenetic evidence for early pastoralism, metal production and highland–lowland trade integration.
References & external links