Genomic transformation and social organization during the Copper Age-Bronze Age transition in southern Iberia

PRJEB46907 Original Paper / DOI2021-11-17155 samples (study)

AI interpretationAI-generated

Steppe ancestry and Y-lineage turnover mark the Copper-Bronze Age shift in southern Iberia.

This study examines the genetic and social changes in southeastern Iberia during the Copper Age to Bronze Age transition, around 2200 BCE. By analyzing ancient DNA from 52 individuals, researchers found a complete replacement of Y-chromosome lineages coinciding with the rise of the El Argar culture. This turnover aligns with the arrival of steppe-related ancestry from Eastern Europe. The data suggest a founder effect in male lineages, as males shared more relatives than females at sites. However, some El Argar groups show genetic contributions from the Mediterranean that may predate the Bronze Age, indicating a more complex migration history.

Complete turnover of Y-chromosome lineages at the start of the Bronze Age (~2200 BCE).
Arrival of steppe-related ancestry coincides with the rise of El Argar culture.
Males shared more relatives than females, supporting a founder effect in male lineages.

Sample interpretation

The study analyzed 52 ancient individuals from a single site, ZAP002, with 28 having resolved Y-chromosome haplogroups. The most common Y-haplogroups are R-P312 (6 individuals), R-TY497740 (4), and several R-TY500158, R-Z195, R-TY500159, R-TY500165 (3 each). Mitochondrial DNA shows diverse lineages, with U5b3, J2b1a, and K1a-T195C! each appearing 3 times. This limited sample size provides a snapshot of genetic diversity during this transitional period.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this study highlights a major genetic shift in Iberia linked to steppe ancestry and Y-lineage replacement, offering insights into how ancient migrations shaped modern European genetic landscapes.

Abstract

The emerging Bronze Age (BA) of southeastern Iberia saw marked social changes. Late Copper Age (CA) settlements were abandoned in favor of hilltop sites, and collective graves were largely replaced by single or double burials with often distinctive grave goods indirectly reflecting a hierarchical social organization, as exemplified by the BA El Argar group. We explored this transition from a genomic viewpoint by tripling the amount of data available for this period. Concomitant with the rise of El Argar starting ~2200 cal BCE, we observe a complete turnover of Y-chromosome lineages along with the arrival of steppe-related ancestry. This pattern is consistent with a founder effect in male lineages, supported by our finding that males shared more relatives at sites than females. However, simple two-source models do not find support in some El Argar groups, suggesting additional genetic contributions from the Mediterranean that could predate the BA.

Samples & Data on TheYtree

52samples on site

28Y haplogroup resolved

1archaeological sites

Sample Map

Map tiles by TheYtree · dot size = number of samples

Paternal (Y-DNA) Haplogroups

Haplogroup	Samples
R-P312	6
R-TY497740	4
R-TY500165	3
R-TY500158	3
R-Z195	3
R-TY500159	3
R-TY500169	2
R-S230	1
R-Z39393	1
R-FTC605	1
H-Z19117	1

Maternal (mtDNA) Haplogroups

U5b3 · 3 J2b1a · 3 K1a-T195C! · 3 H3 · 2 K1a4a1 · 2 K1a4a1e · 2 H4a1a · 2 U5a1-T16192C! · 1 U5b1c · 1 V-b4 · 1

Sample Highlights More samples →

Sample	Y-DNA	mtDNA	Culture / Period
ALM058	R-Z195	U5b1f1	· 3,600 BP
ALM069	R-P312	H1q1
ALM070	R-TY500165	K1a1b1	· 3,650 BP
ALM064	R-TY500169	H1cf
ALM040	R-P312	U5b2b3a	· 3,850 BP
ALM047	R-FTC605	H6a1b	· 3,850 BP
ALM080	R-P312	U5b3	· 3,600 BP
ALM032	R-TY497740	T2b3-C151T	· 3,650 BP
ALM014	R-TY500165	U5b1c	· 3,700 BP
ALM002	R-P312	K1b1a1c