Overview
J2b-Y21653 is a downstream component of the J2b-M241 lineage with a demographic focus along the southern Balkans, the Aegean coastal rim and western Anatolia. Its formation corresponds to mid Holocene expansions of Balkan farming groups followed by increased maritime integration during the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age periods. Archaeological parallels include late Neolithic Balkan settlements, early Aegean seafaring networks and proto urban Anatolian centers.
During the Bronze Age, Y21653 bearing groups interacted with demographic currents tied to Mycenaean expansion, the Adriatic corridor and Aegean island based exchange systems. Its downstream diversity suggests multiple founder effects in coastal Balkan communities and sustained mobility across the Aegean basin throughout the Iron Age and classical periods.
Geographic distribution
Highest frequencies in Greece, Albania and western Turkey; moderate levels in Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Cyprus; low frequencies in Italy, the Adriatic and the Levant.
Ancient DNA
- Southern Balkan Chalcolithic individuals possess J2b lineages compatible with early Y21653.
- Aegean Bronze Age remains contain profiles matching upstream components of the clade.
- Western Anatolian Bronze Age samples show J2b continuity linked to the lineage.
- Iron Age Levantine individuals show downstream Y21653 segments.
- Classical Greek communities preserve multiple Y21653 derived branches.
Phylogeny & subclades
A Balkan and Aegean concentrated subclade with extensions into western Anatolia, reflecting coastal mobility and localized demographic expansions.
- Y21653*
- Aegean coastal branches
- Western Anatolian derivatives
Notes & context
An informative J2b branch for understanding Aegean and southern Balkan demographic dynamics.
References & external links