Overview
R1b is one of the primary branches of haplogroup R and today represents the most widespread paternal lineage in Western Europe. Its ancestral roots trace back to eastern Eurasia, and the lineage likely expanded westward during the Late Upper Paleolithic and early Mesolithic periods. R1b became a major component of the genetic landscape of Neolithic and especially Bronze Age populations, becoming the dominant male lineage in many parts of Europe. Its wide geographic presence and extensive internal branching reflect multiple waves of steppe-related migrations, demographic expansions and regional founder effects.
Geographic distribution
Widely distributed across Europe, with highest frequencies in Western Europe including the British Isles, France, Spain and Portugal. Also present in the Caucasus, the Near East and parts of Central and South Asia in varying frequencies.
Ancient DNA
- Villabruna cluster (Italy, c. 14000 years ago) associated with early R lineage
- Yamnaya horizon steppe samples showing upstream R1b branches
- Early Bronze Age Western European individuals with R1b derived subclades
Phylogeny & subclades
R > R1 > R1b. R1b splits into early paragroups and two main macro-lines: R1b-V88 and R1b-M269, with the latter forming the core of the later Western Eurasian expansions.
Notes & context
R1b shows deep phylogenetic structure shaped by post-Ice Age recolonization, Neolithic transitions and Bronze Age steppe expansions.
References & external links