Overview
R1a-F1345 is a major downstream branch of R1a-Z2123 and forms one of the central paternal lineages of early Iranian-speaking nomads. It emerged during the Bronze Age in populations occupying the Kazakh steppe, Ural foothills and Central Asian oases. Archaeological and genetic evidence suggests strong association with pastoralist groups who were early adopters of chariot warfare and long-distance trade systems. F1345 lineages became common among Saka and Sarmatian groups across the Eurasian steppe, including populations known from the Tasmola, Pazyryk and Tagar cultures. These groups maintained vast mobility networks linking the Altai, Kazakhstan, Xinjiang and northern Iran. F1345 lineages appear in elite warrior kurgans, reflecting their prominence in steppe aristocracies. The lineage also expanded southward into the Iranian plateau, contributing to populations linked to early Iranian-speaking tribes such as the Medes and Persians. Modern distributions show continuity with these ancient migrations.