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Y-DNA Haplogroup Atlas

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Haplogroup R-Z2124

R1a-Z2124

Macro-haplogroup
R
Parent clade
R-Z93
Formed (estimate)
c. 5,500 - 6,500 years before present (estimate)
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 3,500 - 4,500 years ago (estimate)

Overview

R-Z2124 is a substantial branch under R-Z93 with a wide distribution in Central and South Asia. It likely formed in steppe or forest steppe populations east of the Ural or Caspian regions and later moved south into Central Asia and the Indo Iranian world. The lineage encompasses several subclades that differ in their geographic emphasis, with some more concentrated in Central Asia and others more common in South Asia and Iran.

Geographic distribution

R-Z2124 and its subclades are found across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and neighboring Central Asian regions, as well as in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and northern India. Frequencies vary by population and region, but Z2124 is a prominent component of the paternal ancestry of many Indo Iranian associated groups.

Ancient DNA

  • Ancient DNA from steppe contexts east of the Caspian and Aral regions includes Z2124 derived lineages, indicating that this branch was present in early steppe populations that interacted with Central and South Asia.
  • Later Bronze Age and Iron Age individuals from Central Asia and parts of South Asia show Z2124 subclades, suggesting ongoing movements and admixture involving this lineage.

Phylogeny & subclades

Within R-Z93, Z2124 is one of the key trunks and leads to several internal clusters with geographic foci in Central Asia and surrounding regions. It stands alongside branches such as R-L657, which tend to be more South Asian focused. Together, these branches map out complex migration routes between the steppe and southern regions.

  • Central Asian enriched subclades
  • Iranian plateau and Afghan regional clusters
  • South Asian branches that may reflect later expansions

Notes & context

R-Z2124 illustrates the multi directional nature of steppe related expansions, which not only moved into Europe but also deeply reshaped the paternal ancestry of Central and South Asian populations.