Overview
J2a-Z7671 is a downstream branch of the expansive J2a-M67 radiation and is strongly tied to the cultural landscapes of northern Mesopotamia, eastern Anatolia and the southern Caucasus foothills. Its formation corresponds to early to mid Holocene transitions when upland and piedmont communities were consolidating permanent agricultural settlements and participating in obsidian and metal circulation networks. Archaeological signatures from the region indicate stable population continuity through the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages, which parallels the diversification seen in Z7671. Populations bearing this lineage were likely involved in early fortified settlement systems, specialized herd management and interaction networks that connected the Armenian highlands with the Jazira and Upper Tigris basin. Later expansions align with Iron Age sociopolitical developments in the highlands and adjacent lowlands.
Geographic distribution
Modern Z7671 frequencies peak in southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, Armenia and northwest Iran. Moderate levels appear in Syria, eastern Anatolia and the southern Caucasus. Lower frequencies across the Levant and central Anatolia correspond to Bronze Age and classical era movements along major trade paths.
Ancient DNA
- Chalcolithic and early Bronze Age Upper Tigris individuals show J2a variations compatible with upstream Z7671.
- Armenian plateau Bronze Age samples contain J2a signatures overlapping with early Z7671 diversification.
- Eastern Anatolian highland individuals from the Bronze Age present profiles consistent with this lineage.
- Iron Age highland polities show continuity with downstream Z7671 lineages.
- Classical era upland populations maintain J2a structures matching Z7671 subbranches.
Phylogeny & subclades
Z7671 forms several highland oriented microbranches under J2a-M67. The structure suggests long term continuity in upland agricultural and pastoral communities with periodic demographic expansions.
- Z7671* basal upland form
- Armenian plateau microbranches
- Upper Tigris downstream lines
- North Mesopotamian transitional clusters
Notes & context
J2a-Z7671 contributes to the reconstruction of upland demographic histories across eastern Anatolia and northern Mesopotamia.
References & external links